MP Refutes Rumour

The Member of Parliament (MP) for the La Dadekotopon Constituency, Godfried Ako-Nai, has held meetings with traders at the La market to debunk and clarify rumours surrounding the reconstruction of the market.

It had been alleged that the market, over 60 years old, when reconstructed would be given to only people who can afford to pay a recovery price of ?10 million. It was further alleged that monies would be collected from people outside the La town to take the place of the indigenous market women who had been selling in the market for years.

Hon. Ako-Nai said the reconstruction formed a part of NPP's campaign promises to the people of La. The main reason for its expansion was that it was congested.

He said the ground works, drawing of the site plan, a public forum and negotiations with contractors caused the delay of the project.

The MP criticised rumour-mongers who were giving political connotations to the delay and reconstruction of the market. He alleged "their activities are purported to tarnish the image of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its projects."

He said that hopefully the first phase of the project would be completed in about 12 weeks so that traders in the market would be relocated to the first phase to pave way for work to start on the second phase. The two-phase project would cost ?11.6 billion.

Allegations about the project brought confusion between traders in the market and the market authorities. However, after the meeting with the MP, the traders agreed to comply with works on the market.