The Queen Mother of Asuofua in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti region, Nana Baanie Ahenkan, has commended President John Mahama for fulfilling his promise to establish an ultra-modern “24-Hour Economy Market” in her community.
Speaking to the media at the project’s official groundbreaking ceremony, Nana Ahenkan described the initiative as a timely intervention that would provide local traders with a conducive environment to conduct business and boost the local economy.
According to the Queen Mother, the project was set in motion after she personally petitioned Mahama to site the facility in Asuofua.
She noted that the proposal was accepted immediately, with directives issued to ensure the community was allocated the project.
“I am deeply grateful for this commitment,” Nana Ahenkan said, adding that she intends to lead a formal delegation to officially extend her gratitude.
A Modern Trading Hub
The Asuofua 24-Hour Economy Market is designed as a multi-purpose hub to support round-the-clock commercial activities. Upon completion, the facility will feature 300 lockable and unlockable shops.
To ensure safety, convenience, and community welfare, the complex will integrate several vital auxiliary infrastructure components.
The layout features a dedicated police post and a fire station for emergency response, alongside a healthcare clinic and an on-site pharmacy.
Additionally, the market will house a women’s bank, a daycare centre, administrative offices, and guest accommodations.
Nana Ahenkan praised the inclusion of this security, health, and fire safety infrastructure, calling them essential components that would safeguard both the traders and the wider community.
Execution and Trader Relocation
The project is being constructed by Darlingtek Company Limited under the technical supervision of Eco Planner and Engineering Consult. It is scheduled for completion within three years.
Addressing concerns regarding current occupants of the site, the District Chief Executive for the area, Mba Zakaria, assured stakeholders that a suitable temporary location has been secured to safely relocate the affected traders during construction.
He also promised that the evacuated traders would be given priority during the formal allocation of the new shops once the project is completed.