By Yussif Ibrahim
Twedie (Ash), June 2, GNA – Mrs Grace Agyemang Asamoah, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Kwanoma, has described the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market project as a new era of commerce and economic transformation for the district.
She said the facility, when completed, would unlock enormous economic opportunities for traders, farmers, artisans, and transport operators, while positioning Twedie as a strategic commercial hub in the Ashanti Region.
According to her, the project represented a major step towards realising the Government’s 24-hour economy agenda aimed at stimulating continuous economic activity, creating jobs, and boosting local economic growth.
“We are not just breaking ground; we are breaking boundaries,” she stated, describing the project as a transformational intervention that would redefine commerce within the district.
Mrs. Asamoah noted that for decades, economic activities in local markets had been constrained by limited operating hours, with businesses shutting down at sunset and valuable opportunities being lost.
She said the new market would change the narrative by providing infrastructure that would support trading activities throughout the day and night.
“Today, we are embracing a new era. The 24-hour economy is no longer an idea reserved for major cities alone; today, we are bringing it directly to the people of Twedie and the entire Atwima Kwanoma District,” she stated.
The DCE said the project would create opportunities for increased trade, improved household incomes, sustainable youth employment, and enhanced economic resilience.
She explained that the modern market would comprise 132 lockable shops, 132 sheds and open trading spaces, warehouses, a cold store facility, a lorry terminal, food courts, livestock trading areas, a supermarket, and a women’s bank.
Other facilities would include a six-bed clinic and pharmacy, a police post, fire station facilities, sanitation infrastructure, hostel accommodation, and disability-friendly amenities.
Mrs. Asamoah said the facility would particularly benefit farmers in surrounding communities by providing a continuous market for agricultural produce and reducing post-harvest losses.
She said the project was expected to generate direct and indirect jobs, promote agribusiness and entrepreneurship, increase internally generated revenue for the Assembly, and improve sanitation and public safety.
The DCE appealed to the contractor to deliver quality work and complete the project on schedule to meet the expectations of residents.
She also urged community members to support and safeguard the project throughout the construction period, stressing that its long-term benefits would outweigh any temporary inconveniences.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim