Traders at the Mankessim Market in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region are expressing their dissatisfaction with their Member of Parliament, Hon. Ophelia Mensah Hayford, regarding the renovation of the Mankessim roundabout.
The renovation project, which is said to be solely funded by the Member of Parliament, has faced significant opposition from the market women in the area. According to investigations conducted by Sompa News Eric Annan, the estimated cost of the project is over GH¢200,000 (2 billion old currency).
The Mankessim roundabout has become one of Ghana’s busiest routes, connecting the capital town to the Western Region and Côte d’Ivoire. In an interview with traders at the Mankessim market, they strongly opposed the idea of renovating the roundabout while neglecting the poorly maintained market, which they believe poses a health risk to residents of Mankessim and its surroundings.
The traders argue that the allocated funds for the roundabout renovation should instead be used to upgrade the market, or the taxes they pay daily should be utilized for its improvement.
Interestingly, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Constituency, Hon. Ike Lord Ennu, is also reportedly not in favour of the controversial project.
Reported by:
Eric Annan, Sompa TV/FM, Reporter, Central Region.