The government has prioritised the completion of abandoned market projects across the country, the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has assured traders and residents.

She stated that markets were central to women’s livelihoods and the country’s economic development.

Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and people of Mamponteng, in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region on Monday, the Vice-President said markets served as “the offices of women,” where countless families derived their daily sustenance. 

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, therefore, emphasised the government’s commitment to making such trading centres safe and modern.

“We are here because of the market. The market is the office of women, and we are committed to making their office better and in good shape,” the Vice-President emphasised. 

“If the market is in good shape, our women can work, sell, and provide for their families. That is why we will not abandon this project, and why the government is determined to complete all such stalled projects across the country.”

Visit

The visit was part of the Vice-President’s official working visit to some markets in the Ashanti Region.

The markets visited on Monday included the Mamponteng Jubilee Market Project site, Suame Market, parts of which have been destroyed by fire, and the Krofuom market.

She was accompanied by the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice-President, Alex Segbefia; Policy Advisor, Political, Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo; the Presidential Staffer and Special Aide to the Vice-President, Prof. Theresah Ennim; Policy Advisors, Finance, Mansa Amoa Awuah; Policy Advisor, Social Sector, Dr Miriam Rahinatu Iddrisu, and others. 

Also present were the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Municipal Chief Executive, Kwabre East, Joseph Amankwah; the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Augustus Nana Kwasi; the Member of Parliament of Kwabre East, Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong, and the Metropolitan Chief Executive of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi. 

The delegation was received by the Chief of Mampongteng, Nana Saasi Ayeboafo II, and his elders. 

The gathering brought together party officials, traditional leaders, religious leaders and community members.

Delays

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged that the Mamponteng market projects had suffered years of delay, leaving traders stranded in unsafe conditions, but gave the assurance that resources would be mobilised to ensure that work resumed without further delay.

“Whether through the District Assemblies Common Fund or special funds, we will lobby to get the resources to complete these projects. We started this market project long ago, and now that we are in power, we will work together to finish it,” she said.

“It is the development of the country that we want, so let’s all come together. We are all one people, and we must love ourselves regardless of our political differences,” the Vice-President stated.

In addressing broader challenges in Mamponteng, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed the importance of continuous investment in the well-being of children and the youth. 

“One thing I am concerned about is the education of our children. Whatever we need to do to bring them up well, we will do,” she said.

Market

For his part, the Municipal Chief Executive for Kwabre East, said completing the project could generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, restore safety and order to trading activities, boost economic growth across the municipality, and improve revenue mobilisation. 

“It will stand as a testament to the government’s commitment to local governance, development, and community progress,” Mr Amankwah.

He said the market, which was awarded to Messrs. High Rain Ltd at a contract sum of $8.84 million, funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund, was launched on August 1, 2012, under the supervision of ABP Consort Ltd, with JB Asafo Boakye as the consultant for the project

Mr Amankwah however, said the project was abandoned just a year later due to lack of funds, leaving the community in distress.

Outlining the scope of the market, he revealed that it was designed to include a three-storey administration block, four two-storey buildings with 197 lockable shops, two banking halls, 188 market stalls, a supermarket with warehouses, toll booths, and a day-care centre, among other facilities.

Mr Amankwah said the delay in completing the project had negatively affected commercial activities and worsened the plight of displaced traders from the old Mampongteng Market.

“Currently, some traders are operating under high-tension electrical poles, others along the roadside in contested and hazardous areas. This has endangered lives, caused severe traffic congestion on the main Mampongteng road, and led to a sharp decline in internally generated funds for the assembly,” he stated.

Appreciation 

The Chief of Mampongteng thanked the Vice-President for the visit which was focused on the market project, describing it as “an issue of great concern for the people of Mampongteng.

He expressed the optimism that the market which was started by the NDC government some years ago would be completed by the same administration.