The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA) has initiated steps to regularize shop rentals at the Kotokuraba Market following revelations of alleged irregularities, including the suspected illegal subletting of shops to banking institutions without the Assembly’s full approval.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Cape Coast, George Justice Arthur, disclosed this on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025, during his maiden media engagement forum held exactly seven months after he assumed office.
According to him, the situation is consistent with long-standing challenges surrounding shop and store allocations at the Kotokuraba Market.
Mr. Arthur explained that although available records do not conclusively confirm claims that some shops were rented to banks for as long as 30 years at a monthly rate of GH₵150, the Assembly’s ongoing review has uncovered serious breaches of contractual and operational conditions governing the market.
As part of corrective measures, the MCE announced the establishment of a committee to undertake a comprehensive regularisation exercise for all shop occupants at the market. Preliminary findings, he revealed, show that some tenants have failed to pay their monthly rates for periods exceeding seven years.
“The review process has helped us identify serious revenue leakages, and the corrective measures we have put in place have already resulted in increased revenue for the Assembly,” Hon. Arthur stated.
Touching on the alleged subletting of shops to banks and other institutions, the MCE said individuals involved have been directed to submit all relevant allocation and tenancy documents. Banking institutions operating from the market premises have also been asked to present their documents to enable the Assembly to determine the legality of their occupancy and chart an appropriate course of action.
The MCE cautioned that the Assembly will strictly enforce the law where violations are established. “Going forward, anyone found operating contrary to the conditions governing the market will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he warned.
He reaffirmed the CCMA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public assets, noting that the reforms at the Kotokuraba Market are intended to restore order, fairness, and efficiency in the management of the metropolis’s largest commercial centre.
The media engagement, held at the CCMA Hall, formed part of the Mayor’s commitment to open governance and stakeholder engagement. During the interaction, Mr. George Justice Arthur highlighted key achievements recorded within his seven months in office, outlined ongoing development initiatives, and shared his vision for the future growth of Cape Coast.
The Mayor also demonstrated confidence and depth of understanding as he responded candidly to questions from journalists, reaffirming his readiness to keep the public informed on matters affecting the Metropolis.
The event was attended by the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Mr. Asumah Braimah; the Central Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Kingsley Nana Buadu; some Assembly Members; and Heads of Departments of the CCMA.
The engagement further strengthened the working relationship between the Metropolitan Assembly and the media as partners in development, transparency, and accountability.
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Source: Alhaji Ibrahim/ATLFMNEWS
