24-Hour Market Project to Serve as Agricultural Hub, Says Amansie Central DCE

24-Hour Market Project to Serve as Agricultural Hub, Says Amansie Central DCE

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the Ghanaian economy, driving sustainable growth and development. In line with this, the government has prioritized the expansion of the agricultural sector, actively encouraging the youth to venture into farming and agribusiness.

Reaffirming this commitment, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie Central, Hon. Emmanuel Obeng Agyemang, reiterated the government’s determination to transform agriculture into a major solution for youth unemployment across the country.

To achieve this vision, the DCE highlighted the introduction of the 24-Hour Market Economy. According to Hon. Agyemang, this initiative will serve as a dynamic hub for agricultural produce, artisanal goods, and retail services. By providing a modern, secure, and accessible space for both traders and consumers, the project is set to significantly boost the local economy of Amansie Central.

Hon. Agyemang made these assertions during a landmark sod-cutting ceremony at Mile 9, marking a monumental step toward economic transformation in the district. Accompanied by his entourage, the DCE officially broke ground for the construction of a state-of-the-art 24-Hour Economy Market, signaling a new dawn of trade and job creation for the community.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Obeng_ Agyemang, stated that the project is part of a broader government initiative to promote round-the-clock economic activities. The goal, he noted, is to ensure that trade, services, and commerce are no longer constrained by time.

According to the DCE, the initiative is designed to create jobs, expand opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and strengthen the local economy by aligning district-level projects with the national development plan.

“For Amansie Central, the 24-hour market will serve as a hub for agricultural produce, artisanal goods, and retail services by providing a modern, secure, and accessible space for both traders and consumers,” Hon. Obeng Agyemang asserted.

Hon. Obeng Agyemang emphasized that the project goes beyond mere infrastructure; it is about transforming livelihoods and positioning the district as a vibrant contributor to Ghana’s overarching 24-hour economy vision. He noted that the project is firmly aligned with the government’s medium-term development policy framework and the assembly’s own development agenda.

By integrating the 24-hour economy model into district planning, the assembly is ensuring that national priorities translate into tangible local benefits. The DCE stressed that the project reflects an unwavering commitment to decentralization, inclusivity, and community empowerment through practical interventions.

“The 24-Hour Economy Market is not just a project; it is a promise of prosperity, empowerment, and sustainable development for generations to come,” the DCE added, describing the market as a catalyst for economic resilience in a competitive environment.

Hon. Obeng Agyemang stated that the assembly is collaborating closely with the central government and development partners to prioritize resource allocation for the project. Funding, technical expertise, and logistical support have already been mobilized to guarantee that the market is completed on schedule and maintained sustainably.

He pledged the assembly’s commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that every resource invested yields tangible benefits for the residents. To foster unity and development, the DCE called on all stakeholders and community members to rally behind the initiative.

The project has been awarded to Bukat Construction and Engineering Company and is expected to be completed within three years. The DCE urged the construction firm to deliver high-quality work within the stipulated timeframe.

The contractor, Eng. Daniel Yeboah gave the breakdown of the market indicating that the modern market, when completed, will feature 132 sheds and open pavement trading spaces, 132 lockable shops, 160 open trading areas, 10 warehouses, a lorry terminal, and a dedicated park for heavy-duty trucks.

Additional facilities will include a cold store, meat shops, a food court, restaurant facilities, a livestock trading area, a Women’s Bank, a shopping mall, barbering shops, and other commercial service centres.

The project also incorporates critical social infrastructure such as a six-bed clinic, pharmacy, six-bed hostel, police post, fire post, Environmental Health Office, Market Manager’s Office, Information Centre, and parcel office with storage facilities.

To promote sanitation and public health, the market will be equipped with modern drainage systems, refuse collection points, 24 shower facilities, and 24 water closets. The facility will also be disability-friendly to ensure accessibility for all users

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the community, Nana Oduro II, the Chief of Mile 9, thanked the DCE and the assembly for the initiative and urged the residents to offer their full support to ensure the project’s success.

Story By Anita Frimpong