The Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Labi, has visited the Aowin market to assess the conditions under which traders are operating following the demolition of market structures.
The visit, which took place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, followed concerns raised by market women, traders, traditional authorities and other community members over the lack of adequate shelter after the demolition exercise.
During the visit, the MP moved through various sections of the market and interacted with traders, who expressed concerns about the conditions under which they are currently conducting their businesses.
Some of the traders said the existing market facility had been established during Hon. Oscar Ofori Labi’s tenure as District Chief Executive (DCE). They expressed disappointment that the facility had been demolished without adequate alternative arrangements being made for them.
According to the traders, their main concern was not the construction of a new market but the absence of a suitable temporary facility to enable them to continue trading while arrangements for a permanent solution are pursued.
They said many traders are currently operating under umbrellas and temporary coverings, leaving them vulnerable to rainfall and other weather conditions.
The traders also raised concerns about what they described as inadequate consultation and preparation before the demolition. They appealed to the authorities to provide temporary shelters to protect their businesses and goods.
After engaging the traders and observing the situation at first hand, Ofori Labi proceeded to the Assembly to engage the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and other relevant authorities.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the MP to present the concerns of the traders and seek clarification on the circumstances surrounding the demolition and the arrangements being made for them.
The MCE assured the MP that the Assembly had taken note of the concerns and would organize and construct a temporary structure for the market women as soon as possible.
The proposed temporary facility is expected to provide immediate shelter for the traders and create a more conducive environment for them to continue their businesses while longer-term arrangements are considered.
Ofori Labi welcomed the commitment from the Assembly and urged the market women to exercise patience as efforts are made to address their immediate concerns.
He also emphasized the need for continued engagement among the traders, the Assembly and other stakeholders to find a sustainable solution to the challenges confronting the market.
The visit was generally welcomed by the traders, who said it had given them an opportunity to communicate their concerns directly to their Member of Parliament.
The development comes as traders continue to work under difficult conditions, with many relying on temporary coverings to protect themselves and their goods from the weather.
The MP’s visit and subsequent engagement with the Assembly have brought renewed attention to the immediate need for shelter at the market.
The traders are now expecting the Assembly to translate its assurance into action by providing the promised temporary structure to enable them to trade in a safer and more dignified environment.
For the market community, the immediate priority remains clear: adequate shelter must be provided while stakeholders work towards a more permanent and sustainable solution to the market’s challenges.
