Residents of the Ahafo-Ano South West District are calling on government to reconsider the site selected for the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market at Mankranso, citing flood risks and poor drainage conditions.
They describe the area as flood-prone and unsuitable for a major commercial facility, warning that the project could become a waste of taxpayers’ money if the current location is maintained.
A visit by Adom News to the project site revealed that the land earmarked for the multi-million-cedi market lies in a waterlogged area behind the Asuo Mankra stream at Mankranso, the district capital.
Despite the drainage challenges, the District Assembly has already held a sod-cutting ceremony to commence construction works.
According to residents, the area experiences severe flooding during heavy rains, with the stream often overflowing its banks.
“The land earmarked for the project is not suitable because it is waterlogged and lies on the banks of the Mankran River. It means that for the project to continue, we will need extensive filling, which could block the waterway. For that reason, the land is not suitable if construction continues there,” one resident said on condition of anonymity.
Kwame Ofori, another resident, cautioned that government would incur huge costs if it insists on the current site.
“The land is waterlogged, and constructing the market there will force government to spend heavily on landfilling. Even if it is completed, poor access in the future will make it difficult for traders and buyers to use the facility. That could render the project useless. Government should relocate it to a more suitable site,” he said.
The residents are appealing to the Ahafo-Ano South West District Assembly, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, and central government to conduct a thorough environmental assessment and relocate the project to higher ground.
In response, the District Chief Executive, Abubakar Sedik, acknowledged that part of the land is waterlogged but said proper technical assessments were conducted before approval.
He explained that consultants on the project assessed the site and concluded that it was suitable, despite minor challenges.
“Before the sod-cutting, the consultant for the project was tasked to conduct a proper assessment of the site. The report confirmed that although a portion is waterlogged, limited filling in that area would make the project viable,” he said.
He added that the site remains suitable for the market project and can boost trade in the area.
“This is a major project, which is why all necessary assessments were done. Even the Agenda 111 project initiated by the previous government was also built on waterlogged areas, yet there has not been flooding there since completion,” he noted.
He further assured that proper drainage systems would be constructed to address any potential flooding concerns during implementation.
The 24-Hour Economy Market forms part of government’s broader plan to promote round-the-clock trading activities, boost local commerce, and create jobs. However, residents insist the objective could be undermined if the site remains in a flood-prone zone.
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