Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wa, Alhaji Nurah Issah Danwana, has announced a comprehensive plan to decongest the Wa Central Business District (CBD) and improve mobility within the municipality.
The congestion around the market square and main transport routes, he said, has become a major challenge to both traders and commuters, prompting the Assembly to adopt a multi-pronged strategy involving new market facilities, road expansion, and traffic diversion.
Speaking to journalists after appearing before Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee on Friday, the MCE said the plan is part of a broader effort to modernize Wa’s urban infrastructure.
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“We have serious congestion around the market square. To deal with this, we are introducing the 24-hour economy market to ease pressure on existing facilities. We are also constructing four satellite markets so traders can operate closer to their communities instead of crowding the city center,” he said.
The MCE explained that the creation of satellite markets will be one of the most effective ways to reduce overcrowding at the central market.
He observed that traders prefer to sell at the heart of the city because of visibility and traffic. But once the satellite markets are completed and well-equipped, they will attract customers and create balance.
The Wa Municipal Assembly, he said, will collaborate with the traditional authorities and market associations to ensure fair allocation of stalls and proper management of the new market centers.
Alhaji Danwana revealed that the Assembly is also setting up a 24-hour economy market, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy, to extend business hours and ease congestion during peak periods.
“The 24-hour market will allow traders to operate in shifts. It will help decongest the area during the day while boosting business opportunities at night,” he explained.
He added that the market will be equipped with modern lighting, security, and sanitation facilities to ensure safe and hygienic trading conditions.
Another key component of the decongestion plan is the construction of a Wa bypass road, designed to divert heavy-duty trucks and long vehicles – especially those from francophone countries – away from the central business area.
“Most of these long vehicles pass right through the city center. When the bypass is completed, it will reduce traffic congestion, minimize accidents, and make movement within the municipality smoother,” he MCE said.
He added that the Assembly is working with the Ministry of Roads and Highways to secure the necessary approvals and funding for the project.
Alhaji Danwana emphasized that the decongestion strategy aligns with the Assembly’s urban renewal agenda, which seeks to improve access roads, sanitation, and public infrastructure within Wa.
“We are opening up inner and outer city roads and creating more access points to make movement easier. Our goal is to make Wa a clean, well-planned, and business-friendly.”
“This is not about relocating anyone unfairly — it’s about making Wa work better for everyone. “When the congestion is reduced, movement becomes easier, businesses grow faster, and the city becomes more attractive to investors,” he said.
The MCE urged residents, traders, and transport unions to support the initiative, saying it would ultimately improve business conditions and quality of life in the municipality.
Alhaji Danwana reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive and transparent governance, pledging that all major stakeholders would be consulted throughout the implementation process.