President Nana Akufo-Addo has cut the sod for the commencement of phase two of the redevelopment project of the Kumasi Central Market and the provision of associated infrastructure.

He indicated that the start of the second phase of the project in addition to numerous projects ongoing in Asantemen and across the country demonstrates government’s unwavering commitment to deliver significant infrastructure projects.

The President was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday at Kejetia.

“The redevelopment of the Kumasi Central Market is a €248 million project, and it is being financed by Deutsche Bank of Germany, with export credit guarantee from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF),” he said.

The project will be undertaken by Messrs Contracta Construction Ltd, a UK-based company and will be finished within 48 months.

Upon completion, the redeveloped market will have 6,500 leasable commercial spaces; 5,400 closed stores; 800 kiosks; 50 restaurants; 210 fishmonger and butcher stores; 40 livestock stores; and 1,800 square metre2 of community facilities.

Additionally, the project will also provide other essential facilities such as a waste treatment plant, a police station, a fire station, post offices, and an amphi-theatre.

President Akufo-Addo was confident that the redevelopment of the Kumasi Central Market, and the delivery of associated infrastructure, will help address and mitigate the underlying causes of fire outbreaks in this market; create some 900 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs; improve the safety and security of traders and consumers; and provide better conditions for mobility in the area, allowing traders to receive their merchandise, and customers to access the market, in a safer and more organized manner.

“I appeal to all of you, city authorities, traders, customers and residents, to support and co-operate with the contractor, Messrs Contracta Construction Ltd, so as to complete this project on time. I know I can count on all of you in this regard,” the President added.

Infrastructural projects for Kumasi

President Akufo-Addo recalled that, in the run-up to the December 2016 election, as expressly stated in the Manifesto of the New Patriotic Party, the party pledged to “embark on a sustainable and integrated infrastructural development programme across the country”.

Towards the realisation of this pledge with respect to Asanteman, in August 2018, the President cut the sod for the commencement of the Kumasi Roads Facelift Project, which, amongst others, includes the Kumasi Drainage and Roads Extension Project; the remodelling of the four roundabouts between Ejisu and KNUST to help improve safety and reduce the heavy congestion being experienced on the N6 highway; and an asphaltic overlay on 135 kilometres of roads within the Kumasi Metropolis to deal with the issue of potholes, and, thereby, give the roads in the Metropolis a new lease of life.

“In addition to these, a few weeks ago, in Tamale, I cut the sod for the commencement of phase 1 projects of the $2 billion government/Sinohydro Master Project Support Agreement (MPSA). Lot 2 of this project will see to the construction of 100 kilometres of Kumasi and Mampong Inner City Roads. In Kumasi, the affected road networks are in Manhyia, Suame, Tafo Pankrono, Asokwa, Kwadaso, Oforikrom, Subin, Nhyiaeso and Bantama,” he said.

The President continued, “A fortnight ago, Parliament approved a €155 million facility for the completion and equipping of the maternity and children’s block of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, a project which has stood uncompleted for well over 40 years.”

In concluding, President Akufo-Addo assured the Asantehene that his government is committed to putting this country onto the path of broad progress and prosperity, by enhancing the living standards of all Ghanaians.

“This project, and others currently ongoing, demonstrate our commitment towards this, and I will appeal to you to take a keen interest in seeing to the completion of phase II of this important project, which I have no doubt you will,” he added.