The reconstructed Akyem Oda Central Market, inaugurated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in November 2024, will commence full business operations by March 15, 2026.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Solomon Kusi-Brako, disclosed this when the Omanhene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV, inspected facilities at the market last week.

Accompanied by the Kotoku Krontihene, Obrempong Gyamfi Saforo Kyereh, and the Nwinsohene, Obrempong Yeboah Osei Hwedie, the omanhene asked the MCE why the market had not been operational for 15 months since its inauguration, while traders conducted their businesses on the streets at the mercy of the weather.

In his response, Mr Kusi-Brako attributed the delay to some structural defects on the market.

He stated that the contractor had constructed only 400 stalls, which were insufficient for the 600 traders at the market before the market was destroyed by fire.

The MCE said the municipal assembly had to make provision for the remaining 400 traders.

He added that the assembly was also taking practical measures to install closed-circuit television cameras at vantage points in the market to deter thieves and arsonists.

Mr Kusi-Brako said modern firefighting equipment was also being installed at the market to combat fires when they broke out there.

He gave the assurance that the assembly would complete everything by the middle of March 2026 and open the facility for business.

Oseadeeyo Frimpong Manso was impressed with the construction of the market, which was among the most modern in the country.

He, however, appealed to the municipal assembly and the facility's users to ensure it was properly maintained.

The Omanhene commended Mr Kusi-Brako for being the only MCE in the municipality who had been visiting him regularly to seek his advice on the development of the area since he was installed as the Omanhene 27 years ago and urged other government officials to take a cue from him.