No Trader Will Be Evicted - Ayariga Pledges To Complete Tamale Markets And Expand Trading Space

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has assured traders in Tamale that the government's plan to redevelop markets in the city will not lead to the eviction of any trader.

Mr. Ayariga gave the assurance during a working visit to the Aboabo Market and the Tamale Central Market on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, where he inspected stalled and abandoned market projects started by previous governments.

He described the unfinished structures as a waste of public funds and said government was determined to complete them for the benefit of traders and residents.

According to the Minister, the redevelopment is meant to expand market infrastructure and create space for more traders, not to displace those already doing business there.

"We have no plans of sacking anybody. We are here to develop what you are already managing so that it can take more people," he told market leaders.

He explained that completing the abandoned buildings would open up both the ground floors and the upper levels for trading, which would increase trading space and boost revenue from market levies.

"If you had 500 people that you are collecting market levies from, we want to increase it to 2,000 people. So there are a lot more people paying market levies to you," he said.

Mr. Ayariga urged traders not to entertain any fear about the government's intentions, stressing that they would be actively involved in decisions on how the projects would be completed.

"You are going to be integral partners in the development of the market. So I don't want you to have any fears about our intentions," he added.

He said the visit forms part of efforts to deliver on President John Dramani Mahama's campaign promise to complete stalled development projects across the country, including some that have remained unfinished for decades.

"Because presidents make promises, we, his ministers, follow up and then we fulfil the promises," he noted.

The Minister said government would work closely with market leaders to decide the best approach for completing the projects and to ensure the facilities serve more traders while improving the economic potential of the markets.