Assessing causative characteristics of abandoned completed urban market projects in Ghana

This article assesses the causative characteristics of abandoned completed urban market projects in the Bono Region, Ghana and their associated effect. The study used the mixed methodology research approach. Eight abandoned completed urban market projects were visited within the region. A total of 16 consultant and contractor teams were selected using the purposive sampling technique while 32 questionnaires were administered and received from would-be users, consultants and contractors of the eight selected projects. Bad location, non-provision of auxiliary facilities, high rent charges, a long distance from the communities, small size of sheds and stalls and non-user consultation were the highest causative characteristics. The effects of abandoned markets were resource wastage, unemployment and a decrease in revenue accruable to the state. Markets are a source of product delivery that promotes sustainable economic development, jobs and communication, and enhances the identity of the communities. Wastage of resources occurs if an urban market project is abandoned. Improvement of would-be user satisfaction is imperative to reduce non-usage leading to the abandonment of the market project. Therefore, auxiliary utilities such as electricity, water, sanitation and access roads must be included in the project during the planning phases. The article affirms the relevance of user satisfaction with urban market projects to avoid the wastage of public resources.