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Art dealers still in business pending relocation
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
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could worsen the spread of misinformation across the world if not managed responsibly.
Speaking at the International Conference on Information Integrity in Paris, the President said AI tools such as deepfakes and synthetic media are increasingly being used to manipulate information and distort public perception.
He warned that the misuse of AI poses a serious threat to democracy, public health, and global stability, adding that protecting information integrity must be treated with the same urgency as national security and economic development.
“We are back to win the global war against misinformation and disinformation. Disinformation is not an abstract issue, it shapes elections, distorts public health responses, fuels conflict, and undermines the fight against climate change,” he pointed out.
President Mahama said false information continues to erode public confidence in science and government policy, even a decade after the signing of the Paris Climate Accord.
He noted that while AI presents huge opportunities for innovation and growth, it must be used responsibly to ensure that technological progress builds, rather than destroys, public trust.
“Our collective task must be to harness AI responsibly, promote transparency, and ensure that technology strengthens, not weakens, our societies,” he said.
The conference brought together world leaders, media experts, and technology innovators to discuss ways to protect information integrity and strengthen democracy in the digital age.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced a city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, as part of efforts to promote cleanliness and public health in the metropolis.
The exercise, which starts at 6:00 a.m., forms part of the government’s vision to undertake monthly nationwide clean-up activities.
It is expected to bring together residents, traders, and transport operators to help make Kumasi cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
According to the Assembly, the clean-up will focus on key parts of the Central Business District and surrounding areas.
The operational zones include Zoo Roundabout through Pampaso to Otumfuo Roundabout, Otumfuo Roundabout through Acheamfour Market, MTN Roundabout to St. Louis College, Otumfuo Roundabout to Dr. Mensah, Boss FM through Central Market, Asafo Interchange, and Asafo Market stretch, as well as Roman Hill Down through Aboabo Station to Alabar.
During the exercise, all trading activities and vehicular movement within these areas will be suspended to ensure smooth operations.
The KMA urged all traders, commercial drivers, and residents to comply with the directive and actively take part in cleaning their surroundings.
The Assembly announced that if traders and shop owners participate fully, the exercise will end at 11:00 a.m.
However, those who fail to take part will have their shops and trading activities remain closed until 2:00 p.m.
By: Jacob Aggrey
