The event began with a traditional libation by the landowner, invoking ancestral blessings for the project’s success and prosperity.

Speaking to the media, DCE Karim highlighted the expected benefits of the initiative, noting that the market will create employment opportunities, improve electrification, expand the road network, and stimulate economic growth. He added that the project will boost investor confidence and position Kpandai as a key commercial hub in the region.

Karim also pledged full support to the contractor to ensure the 30-month project timeline is met.

Landowners expressed gratitude to the President of Ghana, the DCE, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership for driving development in the district. They assured the DCE of their cooperation in maintaining peace and stability, which they described as essential for sustainable growth.

Community members and stakeholders present at the ceremony expressed optimism about the project’s potential to transform livelihoods in the area.

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Officials say the move is intended to expand trading hours and enhance commercial activities. However, local stakeholders argue that the proposed site is unsuitable for such operations.

Traders have raised concerns about the lack of essential infrastructure, including proper roads, drainage, and security, which they say could negatively impact business operations and public safety.

Residents have also voiced fears over potential noise, traffic congestion, and environmental hazards, warning that the relocation could disrupt the peace and daily life of the community.

In response, some community leaders and market association executives have petitioned the district assembly and other relevant authorities, urging a reconsideration of the plan. They have called for inclusive stakeholder consultations before any relocation decisions are finalized.

The Bia West District Assembly has not yet issued an official response, leaving traders and residents worried that their concerns may be overlooked. Meanwhile, local NDC members have pledged to continue advocating for the community, stressing that any relocation must protect the welfare of residents.

As the debate continues, it remains uncertain whether the proposed market relocation will go ahead or if an alternative site will be considered.

The group says more than three weeks have passed since residents and traders protested the District Assembly’s decision to move the market from Barekese to Asuofua. Following the demonstration, NDC members formally petitioned the Regional Executives, seeking intervention to halt the relocation and safeguard the interests of traders and the community.

Speaking at a press conference, the NDC representatives expressed frustration over the lack of feedback from regional authorities. They warned that the relocation would negatively affect livelihoods, disrupt commerce, and undermine economic activity in Barekese.

“We are urging the regional executives to respond promptly to our petition. Our people deserve answers, and the concerns of traders must be addressed,” one member said.

The group added that continued inaction could spark renewed demonstrations, stressing that the market is a vital source of income and sustenance for many families in the district.

No official response has yet been issued by the NDC regional office regarding the petition.

The remarks came as chiefs, officials from the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), and staff of the Asutifi South District Assembly inspected the proposed site in Hwidiem for the construction of the market.

The chief expressed satisfaction that the project would be located in Hwidiem, the district capital, and pledged the full support of the traditional council to ensure the initiative’s success.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asutifi South, Benjamin Assabil Donkor, said the RCC approved the site, which is currently the weekly market square, to serve as the location for the new 24-hour market.

He noted that while the district has ample land, selecting the weekly market square will help the project meet its objectives effectively.

The DCE emphasized that the project would create multiple opportunities for the community and urged residents to support the government in bringing the initiative to fruition.

Once completed, the 24-hour market is expected to enhance trade, stimulate local economic activities, and create jobs for residents of Hwidiem and the wider Asutifi South District.

This was disclosed by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Obour Vasco, during a community engagement at Ameyawkrom.

He explained that the initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to roll out the 24-hour economy model aimed at enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and supporting livelihoods.

The DCE revealed that the new night market will be constructed at the current Dadieso transport station, a location chosen to ensure easy movement of goods and services.

The market is expected to operate around the clock and will be equipped with essential amenities such as a CHPS compound for healthcare delivery and a security post to guarantee the safety of traders and patrons.

He stressed that infrastructure and security would be central to the success of the project, ensuring that economic activities continue safely into the night.

Beyond the market initiative, Obour Vasco reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to addressing broader developmental challenges across the district.

He also encouraged residents to communicate their concerns and developmental needs to the Assembly for consideration and inclusion in future plans.

He said the Ministry would collaborate with Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to implement the pilot, which would also include provisions for a Women Development Bank.

“We are creating the policy environment, providing security infrastructure, and working with RCCs and MMDAs to pilot 24-hour market centres with provision for the Women Development Bank,” he stated.

Mr. Ibrahim made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the opening of a two-day private sector forum on investment opportunities and access to finance for women and youth entrepreneurs in Bolgatanga.

The forum, themed “Enhancing Social Cohesion and Social Contract Through Empowerment of Women and Youth in Three Northern Regions of Ghana,” was organised by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The NDPC has developed an investment strategy toolkit to assist eight districts across the Upper East, North East, and Upper West Regions to identify their comparative advantages and develop targeted strategies to attract investment and enhance domestic revenue mobilisation.

As part of the ongoing implementation of the strategy, a series of private sector forums will be held in the regional capitals of the three regions, focusing on the participating districts.

In the Upper East Region, the beneficiary districts include Garu, Bawku West, and Bongo.

The objective of these fora is to strengthen collaboration among private sector actors, philanthropic organisations, local government authorities, and women and youth groups, with the aim of unlocking investment opportunities and promoting local economic development.

Mr. Ibrahim noted that the 24-Hour Economy initiative, introduced by the Mahama-led government, envisions a round-the-clock productive Ghana.

“In practical terms, this means shift systems in factories, extended market hours, and nighttime public services,” he explained.

He urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives to pay critical attention to the initiative, stressing that “The 24-Hour Economy is a reality and should be a game-changer.”

The Minister further explained that under the 24-hour economy market plan, MMDAs would situate these markets in city centres and ensure that essential services such as pharmacies, police and fire stations, health posts, and fuel stations are available around the clock.

He added that the markets would be well-lit with solar-powered energy to enable nighttime business activity, concluding: “This is what President Mahama is bringing.”

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