Akim Oda (E/R), Aug 11, GNA - Members of the Akim Oda Market Traders Association have protested against the decision of the Birim South District Assembly to increase the rent on market stalls andstores. The traders said in a petition after a meeting on Tuesday that ''the assembly's decision to issue an ultimatum to them to pay 1.5 million cedis rent by August ending or loose the stores is a subtle means to disposes us of the stores.''

The traders said they pre-financed the construction of the stores and later signed a 25-year tenancy agreement with the assembly in 1991 before they took occupancy.

"Our tendency agreement has not yet expired and if the assembly feels the need to review the agreement the best option for the assembly is to go into negotiations with us but not to issue an ultimatum." A letter from the assembly to the association signed by Mr George Kwakye Andoh, the District Co-ordinating Director, informed them of the decision by the assembly to review the tenancy agreement of all tenants of the Oda market stalls as from August 1 to August 30.

The letter requested the traders to pay a rent of 1.5 million cedis within 14 days of the issue of the letter, saying the decision was based on the general review of rates/fees.

When the GNA contacted the District Chief Executive, Mr Yaw Amprofi on telephone, he said there was the need to review the tenancy agreement, taking into consideration the current economic trend.

He said while some of the traders had sub-let their stores and collecting much higher rent, others had turned theirs into warehouses.