Residents of Keta Central have mounted strong opposition to the decision to relocate two major government projects—the proposed 24-hour economy market and a University of Health and Allied Sciences pharmacy facility—outside their community.
The residents described the decision as unfair and politically driven, insisting that Keta Central remains the most suitable location for both projects due to its strategic commercial importance.
Leading the protest, former Assembly Member for Keta Central Electoral Area, James Ocloo Akorli, accused authorities of sidelining the community despite its long-standing contribution to economic activities within the Keta Municipality.
“It is not true to say that we do not have lands for development projects. The relocation of these projects amounts to a betrayal of the community that has consistently supported government agendas,” he said.
He appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure that the community receives what he described as its fair share of development.
According to residents, Keta Central already operates as a vibrant commercial hub with round-the-clock trading activities involving traders, commuters and fishing communities, making it an ideal location for the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative.
They also argued that the area would become even more commercially significant after the completion of the proposed Keta harbour project.
Community elder Kojo Baba also criticised plans to move the UHAS pharmacy project elsewhere, saying it would deny residents easy access to essential pharmaceutical services.
“We are not against development in other communities, but Keta Central deserves its fair share,” he stated, adding that residents were not consulted before the decision was made.
Protesters further alleged that several development projects have consistently been redirected to other communities with stronger political influence, a trend they say is creating resentment and mistrust.
They are demanding answers from Keta MP Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, Municipal Chief Executive Wisdom Seade, and Volta Regional Minister James Gunu over the decision.
The residents also called for transparent national guidelines on how locations are selected for 24-hour economy projects to avoid future disputes.
However, both the MP and the MCE had earlier defended the decision, stating that community consultations were conducted before the projects were relocated.
They cited ongoing land litigation disputes in the area as a major obstacle to development and appealed to chiefs and traditional leaders to release land for public projects.
