24-hour economy market at Tsito not my decision nor MP's decision - Ho West DCE clarifies

The Ho West District Assembly has officially handed over the 24-Hour Economy model market project to the contractor for construction at Tsito, opposite Rams Hotel.

District Chief Executive Hon. Francis Profer Dusey disclosed that the Tsito community has provided 3.8 acres of land for the facility. The land was donated by the Tsito Tsanu Dzan family.

According to the DCE, the contractor is currently mobilizing and is expected to be on site within 14 days. Discussions on compensation for the community and landowners are yet to be concluded, but engagements will be held to agree on the details.

The DCE explained that the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs set out clear criteria for selecting a location for the 24-Hour Economy market.

The guidelines require that the site be in an area with late-night activity, located on a main road with constant human traffic, have reliable electricity and telecommunications connectivity, and be close to an existing market where people understand how market operations work.

He stated that Tsito was selected because it met all the ministry’s conditions, not because of any personal or political influence. The site’s proximity to the main Accra road and its accessibility were key factors in the decision.

The DCE added that the criteria and the choice of Tsito were presented and discussed at the General Assembly meeting. Assembly members were informed of the project location, asked questions, and participated in oversight visits where they observed the process and met the selected contractor.

Addressing concerns over the selection, the DCE acknowledged that there had been some agitations about why Tsito was chosen. He noted that some linked the decision to his relationship with the Member of Parliament, but insisted the selection followed only the ministry’s directives.

He stressed that the ministry required a minimum of 3 to 4 acres of land, with good connectivity and proximity to the road. While some proposed 1 or 2 acres, Tsito’s 3.8-acre offer aligned with the requirement. The area also has strong network coverage and an established market culture, making it suitable for a 24-hour facility intended for use by all Ghanaians, not just the local community.

“The selection was not my decision or the MP’s decision alone. It is a directive from our superior officers at the ministry, and we are implementing it accordingly,” the DCE said.