Petty Traders around the “Market Circle” in Takoradi have accused the Women’s Affairs Minister Mrs. Gladys Asmah for masterminding and ordering their removal from where they earn their livelihood “We least expected our mother (referring to Mrs. Asmah) to treat us in this way”, they stated.
The traders made this accusation at a press conference in Takoradi last week.
Wearing red bands around their necks and wrists to show the seriousness of the issue, the traders alleged that Mrs. Asmah sometime in 1996 when she was in the “ Opposition” led a demonstration to protest against their ejection by the then Metropolitan Chief Executive, Col.(Rtd) Kaku Korsah.
The traders further alleged that during the said demonstration Mrs.Asmah who is also the Member of Parliament for Takoradi constituency asked the traders not to move an inch unless the Metropolitan Assembly had given them a suitable place with adequate security for their wares.
“With this in our minds we think it is unfair to turn around to ask us to move from the place knowing very well that we don’t have any place to go and sell our wares” they lamented. The President of the Petty Traders Association pointed out that on June 5, 2001 Mrs. Asmah at a meeting assured them that those selling outside the market would be relocated at Apremdo market.
“We were made to believe that all the problems associated with the Apremdo market that is, inadequate security and drainage problems would be rectified before we move there”, Abakah said.
According to the President of the Association all the promises have not been fulfilled adding “yet on August 6, 2001 we were brutalized and removed from where we earn our daily bread” .
Mr. Abakah observed that with the present economic hardships it is only fair that women are empowered economically for the betterment of their family and the country as whole.
“A lot our women in Sekondi/Takoradi have no place to sell and this has compelled them to engage in anti -social activities”, he added.
The president of the association however stated they are ready to co-operate with the Shama Ahanta Metropolitan Assembly to find a lasting solution to the problem which has persisted for years.
