Members of the Art and Craft Dealers Association say their recent engagement with government over plans to relocate the art market in Accra is yielding some positive result.

They have indicated their readiness to move to designated spaces at Kwawudi and Dodowa after the necessary facilities have been constructed.

Government intends to pull down structures at the centre to pave way for the marine drive project — an investment meant to boost the tourism industry and create jobs for the youth.

The traders, somewhat last year, had threatened to resist the relocation plans, citing various inconveniences the move was likely cause them.

They argued that livelihoods would be lost since the Community Youth Cultural Centre at Kwawukudi in Accra was not spacious to accommodate all of them

The new centre, according to them, lacks the facilities which will facilitate their activities hence their call on the government to consider renovating the centre instead of pulling it down completely.

But it appears the traders now appreciate the essence of their relocation to a new site. When The Spectator visited the market square on Wednesday, some traders were seen attending to a handful of clients.

Contrary to previous reports, Mr Charles Kofi Appiah, Chairman of the Traditional Cultural Kente and Adinkra Manufacturers and Sellers Association, explained that it was only the administration of the centre for National Culture that was relocating.

He said prospective clients thought the market square had already been relocated but it was still operating and business was picking up gradually.

The traders are, however, not clear how soon the relocation would happen and appealed to the government to fast track work on the Kawukudi and Dodowa projects before they are relocated.

The Art Centre has been an embodiment of culture for many years. It has a Visual Arts Department, a market square and a theatre which serve as rehearsal grounds for persons in the arts.

By Lizzy Okai