The Deputy Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South Constituency in the Central Region, Hon. George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, has clarified that concerns surrounding the proposed site for the planned 24-hour economy market in Cape Coast have been resolved.

The MP and former Deputy Finance Minister has dismissed reports of an impending demonstration by his colleague Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North Constituency, Hon. Kwamena Mintah Nyarku, together with some residents and traders of his constituency over agitated neglect of government projects at the area, with calls to direct the 24-hour economy market to Cape Coast North instead.

According to the lawmaker, engagement with Hon. Kwamena Mintah Nyarku and other key stakeholders have helped address misunderstandings and internal party concerns regarding location of the project.

He explained after an inspection on the project site on Saturday that the initiative forms part of government’s broader agenda to stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities, and support small-scale businesses through an expanded trading system that operates beyond conventional hours for the general good of the metropolis and not for Cape Coast South as echoed around.

“There will be no planned demonstration as might be widely circulated. Issues that initially emerged over proposed location for the 24-hour economy market has been addressed through dialogue and internal discussions,” he stated, urging the public to disregard misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms.

He, however, affirmed to say "l do not know where all this is coming from, but talking on authority, every issue has been resolved. The market is coming to Ekon, and that there will be no demonstration. Should there be any demonstration, who are we demonstrating against, President of the Republic who the MCE represents or against ourselves," he quizzed.

The Deputy Majority Leader emphasized that the proposed market project, intended to enhance commercial activities in the metropolis and provide improved infrastructure for traders and consumers, which comes with a government factory will never change its proposed location other than Ekon as previously established.

He further assured residents that authorities would continue to engage all agitated groups to ensure transparency and inclusiveness throughout the implementation process.

The lawmaker again underscored how important these projects means to himself and the Mayor of Cape Coast, Hon. George Justice Arthur, who with collaborated effort assured the smooth and effective progression of the projects. Adding that Cape Coast North even though stands as the future of the metropolis, will make no political sense to watch Cape Coast South die out, since it birthed Cape Coast North.

Hon. George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan further implored residents and stakeholders to support the initiative, which poses the tendency to contribute significantly to local economic development and job creation in the Cape Coast metropolis.

Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan