…DCE Accused of Complicity in Choosing Project Site
…Residents Petition Government to Relocate Project to District Capital
Tension is mounting in the Akatsi North District of the Volta Region as residents have mounted fierce opposition to the proposed location of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy market, threatening to derail what many had anticipated would be a transformative development project.
The controversy, which has rapidly become the talk of the District, has pitted sections of the local population against authorities over what residents describe as an “unacceptable and poorly conceived” decision to site the market at Ave-Xevi, a location they believe is inaccessible, unsuitable and incapable of supporting the expected commercial activities.
Angry residents who took to the streets on Monday July 1, to register their displeasure, argue that the proposed site is far removed from the district’s busiest commercial centre and capital, Ave-Dakpa and lacks the road network, transportation links and public amenities necessary for a modern market expected to operate around the clock. They insist that relocating the project to a more strategic location would maximize economic benefits and attract traders from neighbouring districts.
“This project is supposed to improve livelihoods, not create difficulties for traders and customers,” one of the protesters told reporters. “If the market is built at the wrong place, it will become a white elephant,” he added.
Others fear that the current location could discourage investors and undermine the government’s vision of stimulating economic growth through continuous business operations and the objective of the 24-hour Economy initiative.
The growing discontent has sparked a wave of community discussions, with opinion leaders, youth groups and traders calling on authorities to immediately review the decision before construction progresses.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Volta regional Minister James Gunu, the residents urged government to undertake broader stakeholder consultations, insisting that the voices of those who will ultimately use the facility should not be ignored, further accusing the District Chief Executive of the area, Bless Kodjo Katamami of complicity in selecting the current project site.
Supporters of the proposed site, however, argue that the selected location offers sufficient land for future expansion and could open up previously underdeveloped parts of the district.
They believe the project itself will stimulate infrastructure development and create new economic opportunities.
District officials have appealed for calm, assuring residents that concerns raised by the public will be carefully considered. They maintain that the project remains aimed at improving trade, creating jobs and accelerating local economic development in line with the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
Political observers warn that unless consensus is reached quickly, the dispute could overshadow what is intended to be one of the district’s most significant development initiatives.
As public debate intensifies, residents are eagerly awaiting an official response from the relevant authorities on whether the proposed location will be maintained or reviewed.
For now, the future of the highly anticipated Akatsi North 24-hour economy market hangs in the balance, with many hoping dialogue rather than division will determine the final outcome.
