According to the traders, the basic amenities needed for the market to function effectively, were not in place hence their refusal to move.

The traders have also cited insecurity as one of the major reasons why they are refusing to relocate.

Tensions were high when over 10 military personnel stormed the area on Wednesday following the refusal of the traders to relocate to the newly constructed market.

The military were said to have vandalized structures of traders that have been erected by the roadside at the old market.

The military also arrested four persons and handed them over to the Offinso Police command.

The military had gone to the area on the orders of the Ashanti Regional and Offinso Municipal Security Councils, after the aggrieved traders threatened to attack the MCE for the area, Solomon Kesse over the relocation exercise.

The traders have vowed not to relocate to the newly constructed market if the Assembly fails to ensure it is conducive for business activities, as about 400 of them poured onto the streets to protest the relocation exercise.

One of the traders who spoke to Citi News said “any market must have infrastructure like a hospital, a police station… there are no security agencies over here. Where are the police? You cannot compare this market to others” she lamented.

Another trader said: “where the toilet is located is not even the best. We have faced series of attacks by thieves in this market so we can’t trade here. They even don’t have water here.”

Traders must move before development starts

The Assembly has however justified its decision to relocate the traders, saying efforts are underway to complete the market.

Joe Daffour Jnr, the Information Officer at the Offinso Municipal Assembly, told Citi News that “as we speak, the market women themselves are aware that the Assembly has employed more than necessary watchmen to take care of their route.”

Other issues like the fencing of the area, will be addressed once they have moved into the new market space, Mr. Daffour said.

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By: Hafiz Tijani/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Abofour traders protest over relocation to new market appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Deputy Chief Executive of the FDA in charge of the Food Inspectorate Division, Isabella Mansa Agra, said that her outfit will meet with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and the representatives of the traders in the next few weeks, to find solutions to the sanitation problems in the capital city’s markets.

Her call comes on the back of agitations from some of the traders who bemoaned the absence of proper sanitation facilities at the markets, despite the fact that they are forced to pay hundreds of cedis in market fees each year.

One trader, who spoke to Citi News, lamented that “the authorities don’t address our concerns, we have to deal with them ourselves. However, when it comes to the market tolls, they have no trouble asking us to pay.”

Speaking at a clean-up exercise at the Agbogbloshie Market, as part FDA’s Food Safety Sensitisation programme, Mrs. Agra acknowledged the concerns of the traders, and stated that, the health and safety regulator would liaise with the Metropolitan Assembly to address them.

“These are issues we have to discuss with the Assembly and the Environmental office. We have agreed that we’ll have a roundtable discussion with the market queens, and we will forge a strategy to see how to resolve these things,” she told Citi News.

“We understand that the facilities they have are not being maintained properly. We want to keep the sanitation issues as a priority. That is the problem that we have identified; that most of the problems the market women face have to do with the sanitation facilities, that’s what’s causing the agitation. It’s a matter of concern for us at the FDA and we’ll seek to resolve it.”

Mrs. Agra admitted that solving the problems at the markets would require significant financial commitment, but added that, the recent cleanup exercise proved that, sanitation in the markets was a top priority for the FDA.

“Building and maintaining facilities takes a lot of money, so we need to first of all look at what it would take, and we would have to do an assessment. Within the next week or two, we’ll have a discussion so that we can start the process, that’s the most important thing now. We are using this day as an indication that we want to tackle the sanitation issues in our markets,” she stated.

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By: Ann-Shirley Ziwu/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post FDA pushes for clean markets after protests by traders appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The France international ended an illustrious career at Old Trafford after agreeing a move to Serie A champions Juventus on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 33-year-old made a total 379 appearances for United and claims that new manager Van Gaal was keen to extend that stay.

Road to success: France international Evra will add experience and quality to Juventus’ defence

 Red leader: Patrie Evra claims that Louis van Gaal wanted to hand him the Manchester United captaincy

‘Manchester United wanted to keep me and they also wanted to give me the captain’s band,’ he reportedly said to Sky Sports.

‘Van Gaal was disappointed to see me go away, but I had already made a choice.’

Evra admits it was difficult to leave Manchester United, especially after then Juventus manager Antonio Conte resigned before his arrival.

‘It was really difficult to leave Man United, but I did it. I made my choice and I am really happy with my choice.’

‘I was really surprised when Antono Conte left. I was wondering why a coach who strongly wanted me would have left but in the end everyone is the owner of his own destiny. I a not angry with Conte but I am happy that I am with Juventus – a great club with a great history.’

Get him! Patrice Evra has urged new club Juventus to sign Portuguese winger Nani

Evra also urged his knew club to pursue their reported interest in Portugal winger Nani.

‘He is a great player and it was a privilege for me to play with Nani. If Juve are interested in him, I can only say that Nani would be a great purchase.’

And, the defender has admitted he is keen on playing alongside his former Manchester United team-mate Carlos Tevez once again.

The striker joined Juve from Manchester City last summer and scored 19 goals during his first season with the Bianconeri.

‘Carlos is a warrior,’ said Evra. ‘It was tough for me to see him leave United for another team. We’re great friends on and off the pitch.

Friends reunited: Patrice Evra will play alongside former Man United team-mate Carlos Tevez next season

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Source: Dailymail

The post Van Gaal wanted me to stay as captain – Evra appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The 33-year-old, who signed a new one-year contract with United in May, has committed to a two-year deal with the Serie A champions.

Evra’s departure leaves £30 million signing Luke Shaw as the only specialist left-back in United’s first-team squad, after Alexander Buttner moved to Dynamo Moscow.

On the announcement of the move, Evra told United’s official website: “After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United.

“It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart.”

Juventus have revealed they will pay an initial fee of £1.2m in two installments, followed by an additional £300,000 should they finish in the Champions League qualification places next season.

Evra is the fourth decorated United veteran to leave the squad this summer, after Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand signed for Inter and QPR respectively and Ryan Giggs announced his retirement from the game.

The Frenchman made 379 appearances in a trophy-laden nine-season spell at Old Trafford, scoring 10 goals.

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Source: Goal.com

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