Ashanti Regional Minister Impressed with Progress of 24-Hour Economy Model Markets

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the 24-Hour Economy Model Markets under construction at Tebeso No. 2 and Aboabo in the Ashanti Region.

During a site visit with Mr Michael Owusu Amoako, Chief Director of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC), Dr Amoakohene said the Tebeso No. 2 project was 55 per cent complete, while work on the Aboabo market had reached approximately 20 per cent.

He commended Eco Planners and Engineering Consult and NickSeth Construction Company Limited for their pace of work and the quality of construction.

The model markets are expected to provide improved trading facilities for market women and other traders, reduce congestion in Kumasi, and decentralise commercial activities to districts across the region.

Dr Amoakohene said the initiative is constructing 42 model markets across the Ashanti Region to promote local economic development, reduce the concentration of trading activities in Kumasi, and discourage rural-urban migration among traders.

He also disclosed that the Krofrom Market project had been incorporated into the 24-Hour Economy Model Market framework.

Mr Charles Appiah-Kubi, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bosome Freho, said work on the Tebeso No. 2 market was progressing ahead of schedule, expressing optimism that the project would be completed before the initial three-year timeframe. He expressed confidence in the contractor's ability to complete the project by 2027.

The Minister and the project team also expressed appreciation to the traditional authorities for releasing land for the project and to the contractors for their efforts towards its successful implementation.

Nana Appiah Niamah I, Chief of Tebeso No. 2, acknowledged the government's development initiatives and appealed for improvements in local infrastructure, particularly roads and schools, to complement the market project.

Dr Kwame Asamoah, the lead consultant, was hopeful that the project could be completed within two years.

He said the market would provide additional facilities, including a school, a police post and shops, to improve trading activities and support the development of the surrounding community.

Samuel Agyeman Duah, ISD