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The Tuesday market in Sekondi, historically a bustling hub of economic activity, now finds itself at a crossroads as signs of decline become increasingly evident. Once a thriving center that attracted traders and buyers from both near and far, the market’s vitality has diminished over the years, leaving it on the brink of collapse.
What was once a cornerstone of economic sustenance for the people of Sekondi has now become a shadow of its former self. The number of business participants has dwindled, leaving basic but essential items in scarce supply. The situation has escalated to the point where some necessities are only obtainable by traveling to the neighboring Takoradi market.
What exacerbates this grim scenario is the unsettling sight of the Tuesday market becoming more akin to a ghost town than a vibrant marketplace. Sellers are present, but potential buyers are scarce, casting a significant blow to the livelihoods of traders who rely on steady transactions to sustain themselves. One trader even recounted that over the past seven years, the market’s decline has been unmistakable—a trajectory that stands in stark contrast to what one would expect from a market that should be evolving and flourishing.
The physical infrastructure of the market paints an equally disheartening picture. Since its construction in the late 1920s, the Sekondi market structure has seen no meaningful renovations or reconstruction efforts. The deteriorating state of the market not only poses safety concerns but also translates to substantial financial losses for traders who operate within these dilapidated conditions.
As the Sekondi market’s condition continues to deteriorate, it inadvertently shifts trading activities to the more functional Takoradi market. This migration, while perhaps unintentional, carries the unfortunate consequence of negatively impacting the Sekondi constituency as a whole.
Meanwhile, attempts by the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for Sekondi, Lawyer Blay Armah, to repair the dilapidated roofing of the market have been strongly contested by the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly and the incumbent MP. They argue that plans are already far underway for the reconstruction of the entire Sekondi market. The incumbent MP, who also serves as a Deputy Minister, is now making noise and seeking credit for a botched roofing repair on a portion of the deteriorated market.
Amid this backdrop of economic decline, the absence of proactive measures from the Incumbent MP, Hon. Mercer, and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) is glaringly evident. The lack of concern, unwillingness to address the market’s decline, and overall inaction have fueled the frustration of those who seek a revitalized market space.
However, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of Lawyer Armah Blay, a candidate from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His willingness to step forward and address the pressing issues facing the Tuesday market and the Sekondi market as a whole is seen as a potential beacon of change. Blay’s commitment to revitalize the Tuesday market’s trading activities and allocate resources for the reconstruction of the Sekondi market has ignited a sense of optimism within the community.
For the people of Sekondi, this juncture calls for a reevaluation of partisan politics. The need for the constituency’s development transcends political affiliations, and the time has come to prioritize the upliftment of the local economy and living conditions over party lines.
In the face of an enduring 27-year tenure of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Sekondi, it’s becoming evident to many that a change is imperative. The constituency’s progress should no longer take a back seat, and the potential for transformation under Lawyer Armah Blay’s leadership is increasingly appealing.
Sekondi, once a thriving economic powerhouse, has the potential to reclaim its lost vibrancy. With a united effort and the right leadership, the Tuesday market can once again thrive, and the Sekondi market can be resurrected from its current state of decay. The hope lies in Lawyer Armah Blay, whose commitment to change and development has positioned him as a beacon of possibility for the people of Sekondi.
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