Eric Assibey, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kwadaso, has cut the sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market at the onion market, near the Sofoline lorry station.

The project, which forms part of the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Policy, is aimed at transforming the existing market into a modern commercial hub to enhance trading activities, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth within the municipality.

Mr Assibey at the ceremony, said the initiative underscored the government’s commitment towards providing modern market infrastructure across the country, to improve the business environment for traders, while promoting local economic development.

He explained that, the project would provide traders with a safe, convenient and well-organised marketplace, enabling them to efficiently conduct business, while supporting round-the-clock commercial activities under the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

The MCE disclosed that the market would be developed on a four-acre site and would feature a wide range of modern facilities, including lockable shops, market sheds and stalls, warehouses, offices and a police post.

It would also have a fire post, clinic, pharmacy, women’s development bank, daycare centre, supermarket, restaurants, food court, meat shop, cold stores, guest rooms, livestock bay, public washrooms, shower facilities, waste management facilities and open retail spaces.

Mr Assibey stated that the project had been carefully designed to improve security, sanitation, public health and access to essential services, while providing a conducive environment for business growth.

He further announced that the project would be executed by ECO-Planners and Engineering Consult and was expected to be completed within 36 months.

He expressed confidence that with the timely release of funds and uninterrupted logistical support, construction could be completed within 24 months.

Mr Assibey said the modern market would strengthen the local economy by creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities, expanding commercial activities, and improving market access for farmers and other producers.

“The project is a clear demonstration of the government’s determination to promote inclusive economic growth, create sustainable jobs and improve the livelihoods of our people,” he stated.

Mr Assibey expressed appreciation to the Kwadaso traditional council for its continuous support and collaboration in advancing the government’s 24-Hour Economy agenda within the municipality.

He appealed to residents, especially traders operating at the market, to cooperate with the contractor and safeguard the project throughout the construction period to ensure its successful and timely completion.

The MCE further urged the contractor to prioritise the employment of qualified residents, to ensure the direct benefit of the project to the local community.

Touching on sanitation, the MCE said the Assembly had deployed three large refuse containers at strategic locations to improve waste collection and environmental cleanliness.

The Assembly had also undertaken extensive desilting of drains and watercourses across the municipality as part of measures to minimise flooding during the rainy season.

Highlighting other ongoing government projects in the municipality, Mr Assibey announced that a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Nyankyerenease had been completed and is awaiting commissioning.

He said another CHPS compound was under construction near the Atwima Takyiman school park, to improve healthcare delivery in the area.

The MCE further disclosed that several mechanised boreholes had been completed across the municipality, while additional ones were under construction.

Mr Michael Amankwaah, the Project Manager of ECO-Planners and Engineering Consult, assured the Assembly and residents that the company would execute the project with professionalism, diligence and quality workmanship.

He pledged that the contractor would work closely with all stakeholders to deliver a durable and modern market within the scheduled period.