By Samuel Spio-Gabrah, GNA
Tema, July 27, GNA — The Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA) has cut sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market at Community Two, in the Tema West Municipality to enhance commercial activities and improve trading conditions.
The market forms part of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy programme aimed at transforming local commercial centres into vibrant business hubs capable of supporting economic activities throughout the day and night.
Mr James Enu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema West, leading the sod cut, said the redevelopment had become necessary because the existing Tema Community Two market, constructed in the 1960s, had deteriorated over the years and no longer provided a safe and conducive environment for traders and their customers.
Mr Enu stated that the new market complex would include modern stalls, cold storage facilities for perishable goods, banking services, administrative offices, a health clinic, a police post and a daycare centre to support traders, particularly working mothers.
He urged the contractor to employ artisans and skilled youth from the constituency, to ensure that the project generated employment opportunities for residents during the construction phase.
The MP assured market women that the TWMA and his office would work closely with market leaders to provide suitable temporary trading spaces, to minimise disruptions while construction was ongoing.
He appealed to traditional authorities, community leaders, and residents to support the project to ensure its successful completion.
Mr Ludwig Teye Totimeh, the Tema West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), described the project as a major investment in the municipality’s economic development, saying it would provide a secure, organised and modern trading environment capable of stimulating business growth.
Mr Totimeh said, beyond commercial facilities, the inclusion of a clinic, police post and daycare centre demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of traders and their families.
He assured traders that the assembly would closely supervise the project to ensure quality work, adherence to specifications and value for money and urged the contractor to complete the work within schedule, reiterating the appeal to residents and traders to cooperate with the construction team throughout the implementation period.
The MCE expressed appreciation to the Tema Traditional Council, market executives and community members for their support and collaboration towards the realisation of the project.
The construction of the market is expected to expand commercial opportunities, improve productivity and create sustainable employment, particularly for women and the youth within the municipality.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo