Frank Amoakohene inspects construction of 42 Ashanti model markets

Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has conducted a field inspection of ongoing 24-Hour Economy Model Market projects across the region, expressing satisfaction with the pace of construction. These projects are part of a broader government initiative to establish 42 new model markets aimed at decentralising trade, boosting local economic activity, and significantly reducing the chronic vehicular and human congestion within central Kumasi.

During his tour, the Minister visited specific project sites at Tebeso No. 2 and Aboabo to evaluate the quality of work and adherence to timelines. At Tebeso No. 2, construction has reached a 55% completion rate, while the project at Aboabo is currently at 20%. Dr. Amoakohene noted that these facilities are designed to operate beyond traditional trading hours, providing the infrastructure necessary to sustain the government's 24-hour economy policy. By creating modern trading hubs in these peripheral locations, the government intends to shift the commercial focus away from the saturated central business district.

Accompanying the Minister was the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Charles Appiah-Kubi, who expressed optimism regarding the early completion of the markets. Technical teams on-site indicated that the projects are moving according to schedule despite being at different stages of development. These model markets are expected to serve as catalysts for local economic development, offering structured and secure environments for traders who previously lacked adequate space.

Traditional authorities in the beneficiary areas have welcomed the developments but also used the opportunity to call for further infrastructure improvements. They emphasized that for the 24-hour economy model to be fully effective, the government must also prioritise the upgrading of access roads and utility services to the market sites. The completion of these 42 markets is viewed as a critical step in modernising the Ashanti Region's commercial landscape and providing sustainable livelihoods for thousands of residents.