By Yikpamungu Teddy Kakura

The leadership of Paidha Town Council in Zombo District has launched a market ground leveling programme aimed at restoring usable trading space and enforcing the principle that every trader must occupy one designated space, thereby creating room for more community members to participate in local commerce.

LC3 Chairperson Amos Jacan announced that the initiative began at the expansive Gaga Market within Paidha Main Market and will extend to the charcoal market and the bus park.

Speaking at a public gathering during the launch of a newly built mosque in the town council, Jacan emphasised that the exercise is a standard community development measure, not a displacement drive.

“Each businessman must own a place to give room for others to have a place too, since many people want to engage in business at the same place,” Jacan stated.

He dismissed circulating reports of forced removals, clarifying that trading continued uninterrupted during the leveling works and that no vendors were displaced.

The intervention addresses long-standing challenges caused by expanding gullies around market sites.

Concentrated storm-water runoff from zinc rooftops and compacted soils had accelerated gully formation, undercutting stall foundations, shrinking available ground, and creating safety and operational hazards for vendors. 

According to LCIII Jacan, Limited remaining space forced many traders to share small plots, leading to conflicts and disrupted peaceful trading.

He added that by grading and leveling the grounds, the council has created a wider, stable, and better-drained surface.

The improved layout supports the “one space per one person” standard promoted by the business community, ensuring fairer allocation of trading sites and reducing overcrowding.

Paidha Town Council, serving a population of over 40,000, views the programme as a continuation of its recent successful enforcement of the trade order. 

Officials say the leveling enhances accessibility, strengthens local economic resilience, and promotes inclusive participation in the market economy by making space available for additional community members seeking livelihoods through trade.

Traders previously affected by gully encroachment had reported severe operational, financial, and safety difficulties.

The spacious  Gaaga Market