Development agenda; inner cities potentials and problems

By Alhaji Alhasan Abdulai

Apart from the main Zongo Islamic settlements there exists some 400 to 600 settlements close by cities and towns
throughout the country.

In Accra and other parts of the nation such as Kumasi, Koforidua, Wa, Tamale, Salaga etc., there are areas inhabiting ethnic groups called Ayigbe Town, Kramokrom in Kumasi, Chorkor and James town in Accra where marketing
and fishing thrives. Agboblosie and old Fadama in Accra are market places whiles other parts of these settlements are industrial set ups for seamstresses, tailors and traditional healers with other parts meant for mechanics and hawkers.

Since these areas have the potential for increased ingrowth and self-support there is the need for the new ministry of inner cities and Zongo development to move in to find out the number of Zongos and these inner cities.
The survey should provide number of the settlements the small businesses in them and their needs.

When the needs of the people are known the ministry would know how much would be invested to provide support to them. Loans could be provided towards expanding businesses in the areas. However, since the government intends to promote the creation of factories in each locality it is advisable to help serious businesses to build garment, fisheries and agro based industries and large mechanic shops.

One thing that can bring these settlements together is the holding of annual national meetings to deliberate on Issues common to them with the view to launching action programs with targets for them to follow. Districts and regional meetings must also be held to discuss issues bordering on their businesses. this way they would be able to present reports meant to elicit support from the ministry.