By – Sadat Dabo

Beneficiaries of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project’s market store initiative in Nakpanduri have expressed joy and gratitude over the facility, saying it has transformed the local trading environment, attracted more customers and improved business opportunities

The beneficiaries, including Gannib Timothy and Biitian Assibi, said the newly provided market stores had brought significant relief to traders who previously struggled to attract customers while operating from makeshift structures

Speaking during a community interaction with SOCO project officials and other stakeholders on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the beneficiaries described the project as a major boost to commercial activities in Nakpanduri, in the Bunkpurugu District of the North East Region

One of the beneficiaries explained that traders had operated for years from small tables and containers near the community’s market stage before the SOCO intervention provided them with better trading spaces

According to the beneficiary, the traders were informed about the planned construction of market stores following engagements with project officials and subsequently relocated to allow the works to proceed

The beneficiary said traders had started operating from the new stores this year, with encouraging results

“Many things were not being sold there before, but now so many things are selling, and people are benefiting,” the beneficiary said, expressing appreciation to the SOCO team for what was described as a significant contribution to the development of Nakpanduri

The traders observed that the improved market environment had made the area more attractive to customers, resulting in increased patronage and renewed optimism among shop owners

They said the intervention had not only improved their working conditions but had also enhanced the appearance of the community’s commercial centre

Describing the project as a major gift to Nakpanduri, the beneficiaries appealed to the SOCO team to consider expanding the facility in future phases to accommodate more traders and extend the benefits to other members of the community

Beneficiaries appeal for reduced charges

Despite their excitement over the project, the beneficiaries appealed to the authorities to review the monthly charges paid for occupying the market stores

They explained that although the stores had improved their business prospects, the monthly fees remained a concern for some traders, particularly those whose sales and earnings were relatively low

The beneficiaries said a reduction in the charges would ease their financial burden and enable them to enjoy greater benefits from the intervention

Responding to the concerns, the SOCO focal person in Nakpanduri said the selection of the community for the project followed a needs assessment and a prioritisation process involving community members

The focal person explained that the project was not imposed on the community but was selected after consultations and validation exercises identified additional market stores as one of Nakpanduri’s development priorities

On the issue of fees, the official stated that the assembly charged GH¢100 per store monthly, describing it as the standard rate applied across similar facilities in the district

The official defended the charge, arguing that when spread across the month, the daily cost was relatively small compared with the potential earnings from trading

However, the focal person encouraged beneficiaries with continuing concerns to engage the assembly for further discussions on the matter

SOCO intervention boosts local economic activity

The market store initiative forms part of the broader SOCO Project, which seeks to strengthen social cohesion, improve livelihoods and support community resilience in vulnerable areas across Ghana’s northern border regions

For traders in Nakpanduri, the intervention represents more than the construction of physical infrastructure. It has provided a more organised space for commercial activities and created renewed opportunities for local businesses to grow

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the SOCO team and other stakeholders for the intervention, while urging authorities to sustain the initiative through additional stores and continued engagement with traders

Source – gbcuraonline.com