The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has engaged traders at the Kaneshie Market ahead of planned road closures associated with the commencement of works under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project.
The engagement, held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, formed part of efforts by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to sensitise traders and other stakeholders about the planned works and their potential impact on activities around the Kaneshie Market.
The GARID works are scheduled to commence on September 7, 2026, with road closure arrangements expected to affect movement and trading activities in parts of the area.
During the interaction, Mayor Allotey met with market women and other traders who are likely to be affected by the project.
He assured them that information regarding the project, including details of the road closures, traffic arrangements and any potential impact on trading activities, would be communicated through the appropriate official channels.
The engagement was aimed at giving traders an opportunity to understand the project and its implications while allowing the Assembly to address concerns ahead of the commencement of construction activities.
The Mayor acknowledged concerns among some traders regarding possible relocation, eviction and disruptions to their businesses as a result of the planned works.
He, however, urged them not to rely on rumours or unverified information regarding the project.
According to him, traders should await official communication from the AMA and the relevant agencies responsible for implementing the GARID project.
Hon. Allotey explained that the GARID project was designed to address some of the persistent flooding challenges confronting communities within the Greater Accra Region.
He said the project would focus on improving drainage infrastructure and strengthening the resilience of flood-prone communities, particularly in areas that experience recurrent flooding during heavy rainfall.
The Mayor stressed the importance of cooperation between the Assembly, project implementers, traders and other affected stakeholders to ensure that the works were carried out with minimal disruption to economic activities.
He said keeping residents and traders adequately informed was critical to avoiding confusion and ensuring a smooth implementation process.
The engagement forms part of broader stakeholder consultations by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly as preparations continue for the GARID works.
The Assembly is expected to continue providing information to affected communities and businesses as the project progresses, particularly on road closures, movement arrangements and other measures that may affect residents and traders.
The GARID project is expected to contribute to efforts to improve drainage systems, reduce the impact of flooding and enhance the resilience of vulnerable areas within Greater Accra.
For traders at Kaneshie, the immediate focus remains on understanding the road closure arrangements and preparing for any temporary disruptions while awaiting further official directives from the authorities.
By 1960news.com
