By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Effia, May 21, GNA- The Apremdo Traditional Council is saddened by the failure of the government to activate the Apremdo market built some 20 years ago.
The Council questioned why the Jubilee Park, a national emblem built in memory of the country’s 50th anniversary could be turned into a market while the Apremdo market was fallowing, an ideal opportunity to have revived the market.
The Jubilee Park played host to major public and social events and turning it into a market space had really affected recreation within the metropolis with classical example as the Kofi Kinnata’s made in Tadi concert held annually.
The Council led by Nana Egya Kwamina XI expressed the displeasure when they visited Mr. Abdul Majeed Dokurugu, the MCE for the Effia Kwesimintim Municipal Assembly to officially welcome him to his new position.
Nana Egya Kwamina XI added that markets were cardinal in the development scheme of every community and country at large adding, a big city like Takoradi should not be limited to only market circle…Accra has Makola, Okashie, Kaneshie, Agbogbloshie and other big centres for trade likewise Kumasi.
“So, what is wrong in Sekondi-Takoradi…how do we waste such huge national investments because government officials are not willing to enforce the laws”, she added.
The Apremdohene, thus entreated the new MCE for Effia Kwesimintim to make a beneficial decision on the market to bring rapid economic growth and empowerment to the many women in the twin-town.
Nana Kwamina XI also told the new MCE about the youth involvement in drugs within communities of the Assembly, “I want to commend the Assembly for taking a decisive action on the ghettos around number nine…more of these exercises are needed in our communities”.
The Chief also discussed the need for more electoral areas, proper drainage system, security and lighting and the return of bus services and a taxi rank at the Apremdo market.
Mr. Dokurugu, the EKMA MCE was pleased with the visit adding, “this is why the chieftaincy ministry has been merged with local government so that we can collaboratively bring development to our people”.
He said his first Municipal Security meeting took into consideration most of the challenges raised by the council …I will be in Accra again next week to relate with the relevant agencies and institutions and very soon we will see progressive changes.
The MCE added that the Assembly within its eight years of creation undertook 26 major projects and hoped to do more to increase the good living of the people.
Mr Dokurugu also saw the Jubilee Park turned market as a potential “National Image in Crisis” as birds scavenging were now becoming a source of threat to safety of take-off and landing of airplanes at the Airforce Base.
He said, “If we don’t act now and should any aviation incident happen, then Ghana will be in the International news but for the wrong actions.”
The MCE promised to work with other stakeholders to fix the problem.
The MCE promised to work with other stakeholders to deal with the emerging national crisis at the Jubilee Park turned market and revive the Apremdo market.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba