The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Roland Ayoo, has asked journalists to direct questions about the viability of the proposed 24-Hour Market to the project consultants, rather than to him.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East show on Friday, January 23, Mr. Ayoo said that while the municipal assembly had identified three potential locations for the market, he could not speak on feasibility studies or measurements of demand for a market that operates around the clock.
Based on conversations with the consultants, Mr. Ayoo indicated that Soe is emerging as the likely site for the market. He added that the presence of night businesses suggests there may be demand for a 24-hour trading facility.
“In reality, there are certain spots here that operate deep into the night and close late. That tells you there are young people who want to run their businesses or programs throughout the night,” he said.
When journalists pressed for specific studies or data demonstrating demand for a round-the-clock market, Mr. Ayoo declined to respond directly. “There are consultants to the project, and I think that you can better direct that question to the consultant,” he said.
However, records obtained via a Right to Information (RTI) request show that the assembly has no official data on the number of businesses operating at night in the municipality, raising questions about what informed the decision to pursue a 24-Hour Economy Market in Bolgatanga.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
