President John Mahama on Monday cut the sod for reconstruc­tion of phase one of the Kumasi Kejetia Central Market to officially commence.

Addressing the huge gathering, the president stated that the completion of the multi-million dollar project would make Kumasi a modern city, boost economic growth and improve the living conditions of the residents.

"The skyline of Kumasi will be changed after the completion of this mighty project," he said to a rap­turous applause from the crowd, mainly National Democratic Congress (NDC) members and sup­porters.

When completed, Presi­dent Mahama said, the project would boast of amenities such as CCTV, police station, clinic, spa­cious bus terminal, fire sta­tion, crèche, among other amenities.

He disclosed that the government secured loan for the construction of the edifice to transform businesses in Kumasi, indicat­ing that plans had been made for the Kumasi Met­ropolitan Authority (KMA) to service the loan through its revenue generation.

President Mahama described the reconstruc­tion of the Kejetia Central Market as a "gargantuan" project.

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was among dignitaries who witnessed the historic occa­sion but surprisingly, the Asante King, who was accorded a rousing wel­come to Kejetia, did not deliver a speech.

President Mahama commended Otumfuo for the vital roles that he played to -ensure that affected traders at the old Kejetia market, who strongly opposed the proj­ect, finally softened their stance for the project to kick-start.

He tasked the KMA to work with the Asantehene's Committee to ensure that all outstanding issues at Kejetia are resolved, noting that the affected traders should be considered first when the project is completed.

Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, Irene Viva, whose country gave Ghana the loan for the project, expressed delight about the partnership that currently exists between Ghana and her home country.

She disclosed that Ghana is Brazil's main partner in West Africa, commending former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Sarpong, for his invaluable efforts in help­ing to make the Kejetia project a reality.

Fabio Kamara, CEO of Contracta Ltd - the Brazil­ian firm executing the proj­ect - gave the assurance that the project would be completed on schedule, adding that 70% of the workforce would be Ghanaians.

Ashanti Regional Min­ister, Peter Anarfi Mensah, said the project's main objective is to enhance the socio-economic growth of residents of the region and Ghana at large.

First Lady, Lordina Mahama; Ibrahim Mahama; Julius Debrah; Kojo Bonsu; Samuel Sar­pong; Johnson Asiedu Nketia; DCOP Kofi Boakye; chiefs and people from all walks of life graced the event.