Assin Central Municipal Assembly has officially cut the sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market in Assin Fosu, a flagship project expected to improve trading conditions, create jobs, and stimulate local economic growth for residents and traders.
The project, which forms part of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, is expected to transform commercial activities in the municipality by providing a modern, secure, and well-organised trading environment.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Assin Central, Hon. Gariba Adams, described the project as a major investment to improve infrastructure and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He disclosed that the market would be equipped with a wide range of modern facilities, including a police station, fire service post, health clinic, kindergarten, sanitation facilities, spacious trading areas, and designated sections for various categories of goods and services to enhance safety, convenience, and efficient business operations.
According to the MCE, the Assembly will closely supervise the project to ensure it is completed on schedule and to the highest standards for the benefit of residents.
He added that the market would help improve organisation, reduce congestion, and provide a more conducive environment for commercial activities across the municipality.
Hon. Gariba Adams also emphasised the project’s potential to create jobs, noting that local labour would be prioritised throughout the construction phase.
“This project will create many employment opportunities. If you look at the workers here, they are all from this community. The 24-hour economy market will create jobs and provide a better environment for traders to do business. In the end, it will bring significant business opportunities for the residents of this municipality. The 24-hour economy market will open the municipality up for business,” he said.
The contractor, Isaac Kofi Asiedu of ICOLE Construction Company, assured residents that work was progressing smoothly and that the company remained committed to delivering the project ahead of schedule.
He explained that the market had been designed as a comprehensive commercial hub with numerous facilities to support traders and improve the overall trading experience.
“So far, since we came here, we have not encountered any challenges. Everything is progressing according to plan,” he said.
Mr. Asiedu revealed that the facility would include a women’s bank, shops, trading sheds, a clinic, pharmacy, warehouses, guest rooms for traders, bathrooms, and a kindergarten.
He said the inclusion of a kindergarten was intended to support market women with young children.
“The kindergarten is for market women who have babies and do not know where to keep them while they trade. They can bring their children there, where trained teachers will take care of them,” he explained.
While the contract duration is three years (36 months), the contractor expressed confidence that the project would be completed earlier than scheduled.
Traditional authorities have also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformative investment for the municipality. The Dwentohene of the Afutuakwa Traditional Area, Barima Kwakye Ampem II, commended the government and the Assin Central Municipal Assembly for fulfilling their commitment to construct the long-awaited market.
He appealed to residents and traders to cooperate with the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the project and expressed optimism that the new market would significantly improve livelihoods through increased trade and investment.
“I am grateful to the President because the 24-hour economy market he promised has come to fruition. This is a project that will benefit the country and all its citizens. We are happy that women and the youth will have jobs and opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” Barima Kwakye Ampem II said.
The modern 24-hour economy market which is expected to be completed within three years will booast job creation and business growth in the Assin Central area