The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has commenced a technical assessment of the Galas Market at Tema Manhean as part of plans to select it for redevelopment into a modern, 24-hour commercial hub.

The assessment follows an inspection tour of the market by a team of assembly officials, led by Ms Ebi Bright, Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, to evaluate the facility’s readiness for round-the-clock commercial operations.

Mr Frank Asante, the Public Relations Officer of the TMA, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the initiative formed part of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy.

Mr Asante explained that the assembly was activating the market component of the policy to stimulate local commerce and ensure continuous service delivery across the metropolis.

He noted that although the site was currently occupied by makeshift structures, preliminary observations suggested that the location met several of the core requirements for 24-hour operations.

“Certain basic infrastructure, particularly accessibility and clearly defined entry and exit routes, must be guaranteed before a market can be approved for round-the-clock activities,” he stated.

He added that while most of the requirements were present, some existing structures would need to be reorganised or removed to ensure an orderly, safe, and functional layout.

According to him, following the inspection, the MCE indicated that the Galas Market stood a fair chance of being selected for redevelopment under the 24-hour economy initiative.

The inspection tour also allowed the assembly to engage traders, residents, and community leaders to identify immediate needs and ensure that the proposed redevelopment aligned with the local community’s aspirations.

Mr Asante emphasised that interventions under the 24-hour economy policy would be distributed evenly across the metropolis to promote balanced development, rather than being concentrated solely in the central part of Tema.

He said the MCE had appealed to traditional authorities and the public to support the initiative, urging current occupants of the land to begin preparations ahead of the formal commencement of the redevelopment project.