The District Chief Executive for Bawku West, James Ayamwego, says the assembly is continuing consultations with stakeholders over the proposed location of the government’s 24-hour economic market in Zebilla.
Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayamwego described the ongoing discussions as part of a participatory process aimed at reaching consensus on the most suitable site for the market.
According to him, the assembly has been engaging traditional authorities, market leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure the project serves the broader interests of the community and supports economic growth.
“Just last Monday, I had the final stakeholder engagement in respect of the siting of the market. We are doing all this, engaging our chiefs, various stakeholders, market queens, the traditional authority and all who matter in this issue, so that at least at the end of the day, we would all come to an agreement as to the appropriate place to site the market. I think that is very important.”
Mr. Ayamwego said the recent engagement brought together groups with differing opinions, with some supporting the initially proposed site while others suggested alternative locations. He noted that the assembly would review the proposals before making a final decision.
Addressing concerns about proposals to locate the market near a school, the DCE acknowledged that residents had raised concerns about the potential impact on teaching and learning.
He explained that the assembly’s earlier consideration of the area was influenced by the fact that market activities had already spread into parts of the school environment because of congestion at the existing market.
“If you look at the earlier proposals, that particular place has already naturally been taken over by the current market. If you know Zebilla very well, every market day, when you come, the entire school compound, they are selling everywhere. Selling in the school compound, on the walls, the verandas, everywhere. You see market activities ongoing.”
He said authorities had considered whether relocating the school to a more conducive learning environment could offer a long-term solution while allowing the market project to utilise the area already being used for trading activities.
“We have never thought of relocating the school. Maybe this is the time to relocate the school to a conducive area that supports learning,” he said.
Mr. Ayamwego, however, stressed that no final decision has been taken and assured residents that all concerns are being carefully considered before a final site is selected.
The proposed 24-hour market forms part of the government’s broader economic initiative aimed at boosting local commerce and creating employment opportunities across the country.
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