The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has donated 100 chest freezers to women traders at the Juapong Market to support their businesses as they temporarily relocate to make way for the reconstruction of the market.
Announcing the donation in a Facebook post, Mr. Ablakwa said the gesture was aimed at cushioning traders during the transition period and reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of his constituents.
“Yesterday I donated 100 chest freezers to Juapong market women as they are temporarily relocated to pave way for the construction of the new Mahama 24-Hour-Economy Market. The welfare and empowerment of my beloved constituents remains a topmost priority,” he wrote.
The donation came as President John Dramani Mahama cut the sod for the reconstruction of the Juapong Market under the government’s 24-Hour Economy Market initiative.
To facilitate construction, traders have been relocated to the Roman Catholic (RC) Park, where they will continue their trading activities until the new market is completed. Unlike similar relocation exercises in some parts of the country that have sparked resistance and disputes, the Juapong relocation has been carried out smoothly, with traders moving to the temporary site without major challenges.
The Juapong Market is one of the busiest trading centres in the North Tongu Municipality, serving residents of Juapong-Dorfor and surrounding communities. Strategically located along the Accra–Ho highway, the market plays a vital role in the local economy by providing a hub for the sale of agricultural produce, fish, livestock, groceries and other goods.
The reconstruction project is expected to provide traders with modern trading facilities, improve sanitation, enhance safety and create a more conducive environment for commerce in line with the government’s broader agenda of promoting economic activity under the 24-Hour Economy programme.
The donation of the chest freezers is expected to particularly benefit fish and food vendors who rely on cold storage to preserve their products while operating from the temporary market site
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu