Dome Market in the Dome Kwabenya Constituency is set to receive much-needed improvements following a visit by the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Hon. Rita Naa Odoley-Sowah, on Friday, March 14, 2025. This visit was in direct response to concerns raised by market women about infrastructural and operational difficulties hampering their businesses.

The engagement follows a high-level meeting between the market women and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, on Thursday, March 13. Led by Ing. Dr. Desmond Aryee-Boi of the Resource Mobilisation Foundation (RMF), the traders highlighted pressing issues such as severe flooding due to an inadequate drainage system, a lack of sheds and stalls, and poor sanitation. The traders lamented that during heavy rains, the market becomes virtually unusable, making it difficult for them to operate. They also decried the scarcity of accessible and affordable trading spaces.

In response, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim tasked the Deputy Minister, the Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Hon. Elikplim Akurugu, and other key stakeholders to visit the market to assess the situation firsthand. Ing. Dr. Aryee-Boi accompanied the team to provide expert insights into the market’s challenges, ensuring that the concerns of the traders were fully understood by the officials.

Upon arrival, the delegation witnessed the market’s dire state. They noted that many constructed stalls remained locked due to high rental costs or had been allocated to individuals who do not actively trade in the market, leaving many spaces unoccupied while genuine traders struggled for room. The drainage system was found to be highly inadequate, exacerbating the problem of flooding during rainy periods. Additionally, sanitation facilities were in poor condition, raising health concerns.

The Deputy Minister and the MP acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the market women that immediate steps would be taken to rectify the challenges. The government has committed to upgrading the drainage system to prevent recurrent flooding, constructing more accessible and affordable stalls for traders to operate without hindrance, improving sanitation facilities to ensure a healthier market environment, and reviewing stall allocation processes to ensure that legitimate traders have access to available spaces.

These interventions are expected to commence soon, with a phased implementation plan to ensure lasting solutions.

The planned facelift of Dome Market is a significant step toward improving the livelihoods of the traders and enhancing the overall functionality of one of the constituency’s major economic hubs. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing a supportive business environment for market women, recognizing their role in local economic development.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah/ Melody Hini-Amoako

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The leadership of market women from the Dome Market in the Greater Accra Region has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, to congratulate him on his appointment and present key challenges affecting their operations at the market, seeking his intervention.

The delegation, led by Ing. Dr. Desmond Aryee-Boi from the Resource Mobilisation Foundation (RMF), met with the Minister on Thursday, March 13, to discuss critical concerns impacting their businesses. They highlighted major issues such as frequent flooding due to an improper drainage system, a lack of adequate sheds and stalls, and poor sanitation. The women emphasized that whenever it rains, the market becomes almost inaccessible, disrupting their trade and making it difficult to conduct business. Additionally, they raised concerns about the limited availability of selling spaces, which continues to hinder their economic activities.

In response, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim acknowledged their concerns and assured them of the Ministry’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to find sustainable solutions. He underscored the vital role market women play in the local economy and pledged to engage the appropriate agencies to address the challenges presented.

As an immediate step, the Minister directed the Deputy Minister, alongside the Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Hon. Elikplim Akurugu, and other key stakeholders, to visit the market the following day to assess the situation firsthand. This visit is expected to facilitate a more informed approach to resolving the issues raised.

The engagement underscores the government’s dedication to improving market infrastructure and supporting traders in enhancing their economic activities. The Minister encouraged continued dialogue and collaboration to drive meaningful improvements within the Dome Market and other trading

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGCRA)

President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah as Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, along with 12 other deputy ministers and one Minister of State, at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House.

Addressing the newly appointed officials, President Mahama emphasized accountability, hard work, and dedication, urging them to support their respective ministries effectively. He reminded them that they would be held to the same performance standards as their substantive ministers and called on them to serve with integrity and a focus on improving governance.

Hon. Sowah, who serves as Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon, brings a wealth of experience in local governance and community development to her new role. Prior to her election to Parliament, she served as Municipal Chief Executive for La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly from 2013 to 2017, where she worked on urban development and local government initiatives. In Parliament, she is also an active member of the Youth, Sports and Culture Committee and the Gender and Children Committee, contributing to policy discussions on social development and inclusivity.

Her appointment is expected to strengthen efforts in decentralization, governance reforms, and collaboration with traditional and religious institutions to enhance community development.

As Deputy Minister, she will work closely with the substantive Minister to implement policies aimed at improving local administration and ensuring efficient public service delivery across the country.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)