By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Deputy Director of International Relations at the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Karl Mark Arhin, says it is government’s responsibility to provide suitable markets for traders being displaced from the Kaneshie footbridge.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, he said authorities must ensure proper trading spaces are made available to prevent traders from returning to the same location.
His comments follow a decision by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to close the Kaneshie footbridge and order traders to vacate the area by the end of April over safety concerns.
The move comes after a joint inspection by the AMA, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly revealed severe structural defects and deterioration of the bridge.
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has ordered the immediate closure of the footbridge, warning that traders who fail to comply could face legal action.
The AMA says alternative pedestrian arrangements will be put in place during repair works and plans to engage traders to provide alternative trading spaces within the market to ease congestion.
