The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has firmly debunked assertions that government intends to pull down the Tendamba Primary School to make way for the construction of a 24-Hour Model Market. He described the claims as false, misleading, and inappropriate, stressing that government has no plans to site the market project on any existing basic school facility.
Speaking during a familiarisation visit to the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs he clarified that the 24-Hour Model Market initiative is designed to promote economic activity, decongest existing markets, and create jobs, without disrupting essential social infrastructure such as schools. He emphasized that education remains a top priority of government and that no development project would be undertaken at the expense of pupils’ learning environments.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim further explained that the success of the 24-Hour Model Market programme depends on collaboration between Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and traditional leaders, particularly in identifying suitable and appropriate lands for the project. He therefore urged the public to disregard the misinformation and assured stakeholders that government remains committed to inclusive development that safeguards both education and local livelihoods.
The familiarisation visit forms part of government's plan to deepen engagement with traditional leaders , MMDCEs and Traditional leaders, affirming Government’s commitment to strengthening the chieftaincy institution , Local governance and mainitain collaborations with religious bodies. The Minister conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana and reiterated Government’s unwavering respect for chieftaincy as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
The Welcoming the news, the President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, Kuoro Abu Diaka Sukabe Nania V, expressed the House's appreciation for the clarity made the Minister on the construction of the 24 hour model markets and also on the recent increase in the monthly allowances for traditional authorities.
He, However, drew attention to challenges faced by some chiefs, particularly the lack of functional traditional councils to effectively resolve conflicts and administrative issues.