1.0 INTRODUCTION*
As part of the District Assembly’s ongoing effort to regularize the occupancy and management of market stores within the District, a series of stakeholder engagement meetings were held with store occupants at Worawora, Abotoase, and Kwamekrom markets. The meetings sought to sensitize occupants on their obligations regarding store rent, renewal procedures, and documentation requirements, as well as to address challenges faced by occupants in their respective markets.
*2.0 MEETING AT WORAWORA MARKET*
A meeting was held with occupants of the nine (9) stores at Worawora Market. The District Finance Officer (DFO) facilitated the session, introducing the Assembly staff and stating the purpose of the engagement.
In attendance were Hon. Richard Opoku and Hon. Ernest Owusu, alongside officials from the Assembly.
The DFO emphasized that all occupants are required to pay store rent and obtain official receipts upon payment. Occupants wishing to continue business operations are to officially write to the Biakoye District Assembly (BDA). Renewal of occupancy will depend on the settlement of all rent arrears, and those who keep stores idle will not have their occupancy renewed.
He further informed participants that a new fee resolution for 2026 is being finalized and clarified that the Business Operating Permit (BOP) is separate from the store rent.
During discussions, Mr. Edwin Atsu mentioned leakage in one of the stores as a major concern. Occupants were also reminded to provide a Ghana Card and passport-sized photograph as part of the regularization process.
Occupants appealed for a reduction in rent, citing low business activity, but the DFO explained that the rates have already been gazetted and cannot be changed. Occupants agreed to settle their arrears by 28th October and expressed gratitude to the Assembly team.
*3.0 MEETING AT ABOTOASE MARKET*
The engagement with store occupants at Abotoase Market involved sixteen (16) stores each at Blocks ‘A’ and ‘B’. The meeting was facilitated by Mr. Amoah, the Administrative Officer, who introduced the Assembly team and outlined the purpose of the session.
He reiterated that all occupants must pay their store rent and collect official receipts. The monthly rent for 2025 is GH₵50, while the 2026 rate is GH₵60. He noted that an opening for reapplication will be provided next year, but idle stores will not be renewed, as other interested individuals are waiting to occupy available spaces.
Occupants were required to submit a Ghana Card and two passport-sized photographs for registration.
Madam Joyce Opoku suggested that some occupants are not known personally and proposed that Mr. Dogbey, the revenue collector for the area, should assist in identifying and contacting all occupants to verify defaulters and those who have paid.
Occupants mentioned leakages in some stores as a key challenge. They were tasked to inform colleagues who were absent about the deliberations.
During the meeting, the District Finance Officer (DFO) requested proof of payment, and one occupant presented a receipt for GH₵200 paid in August. The session ended with an appeal for cooperation and prompt payment of store rents.
*4.0 MEETING AT KWAMEKROM MARKET*
The meeting at Kwamekrom Market involved approximately twenty-one (21) store occupants. It was facilitated by the Budget Analyst, who introduced the Assembly team and stated the objective of the meeting.
He reiterated that every occupant must pay store rent and that receipts must be issued for all payments. Occupants intending to continue business operations are to officially write to the Assembly. The monthly rent for 2025 is GH₵50, with the 2026 rate reviewed to GH₵60.
The District Finance Officer (DFO) cautioned that no individual owns the stores, as they are government property, and urged occupants to avoid making unauthorized payment arrangements. He encouraged them to keep their payment receipts safely and explained that the regularization exercise aims to help the Assembly and Government provide support and infrastructure during emergencies, especially for registered occupants.
He further stated that stores left idle would not be renewed and that new applicants are waiting to occupy such spaces. Occupants were also reminded to submit a Ghana Card and two passport-sized photographs for registration.
When invited to share challenges, the occupants mentioned the following:
Leakages in some stores.
Direct exposure to sunlight during the day.
Unequal store sizes but uniform rent rates, which they found unfair.
Lack of washroom facilities for market users and customers.
These concerns were noted for the Assembly’s consideration. Present at the meeting was the Presiding Member of the Assembly, who lent his support to the engagement.
*5.0 CONCLUSION*
The series of engagements at the three markets — Worawora, Abotoase, and Kwamekrom — provided the Assembly an opportunity to interact directly with store occupants, clarify rent obligations, and gather feedback on challenges.
The Assembly assured occupants of its commitment to addressing genuine concerns within available resources, while urging them to regularize their occupancy, pay rents promptly, and maintain communication with the Assembly to ensure smooth market administration.
