The Tema West Municipal Assembly has commenced the construction of a modern 24-Hour Economy Market at Community 2, a project expected to transform trading activities, create employment opportunities and provide improved commercial infrastructure for residents and businesses within the municipality.
The sod-cutting ceremony, which marked the official beginning of the project, was attended by the Member of Parliament for Tema West Constituency, Hon. James Enu, traditional leaders, representatives of the Municipal Assembly, members of the National Democratic Congress and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive for Tema West, Hon. Ludwig Teye Totimeh, described the project as a major investment in the local economy, the people of the municipality and its future development. He said the facility goes beyond the construction of a market, as it will include a clinic, police post, daycare centre and fire service station to provide essential services to traders and residents.
Hon. Totimeh explained that the project forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Market Initiative, a nationwide programme aimed at constructing modern markets across all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana.
The initiative, which supports the government’s broader 24-hour economy policy, seeks to expand economic opportunities, promote all-day commercial activities, create sustainable jobs and improve productivity across the country.
The MCE said when completed, the Community 2 24-Hour Market will provide traders with a safe, conducive and organised environment for business operations. He added that the facility will improve access to quality trading spaces, increase commercial activities, enhance revenue generation for traders and the Assembly, and create opportunities, particularly for the youth and women.
The 24-Hour Market Initiative is expected to provide modern trading centres equipped with facilities such as 24-hour banking services, medical clinics, police and fire stations, cold storage facilities, warehouses, food courts, sanitation facilities, and reliable electricity and water supply.
Government says the initiative will support local economies by improving the business environment for traders, strengthening security for buyers and sellers, formalising trading activities, empowering small businesses and contributing to inclusive economic growth.
Hon. Totimeh urged the contractor to ensure quality workmanship, strict adherence to project specifications and timely completion of the project. He assured residents that the Assembly would closely monitor the progress of work to ensure quality delivery and value for money.
He also appealed to traders, residents and stakeholders of the Community 2 Market to cooperate fully with the contractor throughout the construction period, stressing that their patience and support would contribute to the successful completion of the project.
Meanwhile, the Market Women Secretary, Rebecca Twumasi, who spoke on behalf of the Queen Mother of the Community 2 Market, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the Tema West Municipal Assembly for selecting their market for the project. She said traders had waited for the initiative for a long time and described it as a fulfilment of the government’s promise.
Mrs. Twumasi, however, appealed to the government and the Assembly to consider increasing the number of stores to be constructed, explaining that the current allocation may not be sufficient to accommodate all traders. She pledged that the market women would maintain the facility and keep it clean when completed and handed over to them.
She further appealed to the authorities to speed up preparations for the temporary relocation site, provide adequate security and ensure a smooth relocation process to enable the contractor to begin construction without further delays.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe