Aiyinasi: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ellembelle Constituency, has officially commenced the construction of a state-of-the-art 24-Hour Economy market complex in Aiyinasi.
According to Ghana News Agency, the groundbreaking project, scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026, is budgeted at GH?32 million. It aims to extend trading hours, generate employment, and enhance local commerce. The project is being carried out by MacWest Construction Limited on behalf of the Ellembelle District Assembly.
The modernized market will feature a police station, fire service station, gym center, supermarket, kindergarten block, car station, clinic, restaurant, and a branch of the Women's bank, among other amenities. Speaking at the sod-cutting event, Mr Buah, who also serves as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, stated that the facility will offer a secure, well-lit space for continuous activity to benefit traders and residents.
Mr Buah urged the contractor to incorporate local resources in the construction to alleviate youth unemployment and boost the incomes of small and medium-scale traders. 'This is about creating opportunities that do not stop when the sun sets,' he remarked, emphasizing that the '24-Hour Economy initiative is a practical way to unlock the potential of our markets and sustain financial circulation in our communities.'
Additionally, the MP revealed that under the One Million Coders programme, the government will train 50 youths in various programmes at Aiyinasi. He also announced plans to establish a palm nut factory in the district to spur employment and stimulate the local economy.
Mr Buah praised Mr Joseph Agyekum, the District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, for securing GH?11 million for the district following its recognition as one of the best in the Western Region. These funds will be allocated to establish a District Hospital at Nkroful, the hometown of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Expressing gratitude, Mr Agyekum thanked the chiefs and elders of Aiyinasi for providing land for the market and called on residents to support the contractor to ensure timely completion of the project.
Nana Etwe Kpanyinli VI, the Divisional Chief of Aiyinasi, lauded the MP and DCE for the initiative and expressed appreciation to President John Mahama for delivering on his campaign promise. 'In 2016, 2020, and 2024, President Mahama came to Aiyinasi and promised us a modern market. Today he has fulfilled that promise,' Nana Kpanyinli stated, noting that it was time to replace the over 60-year-old market with a modern facility.
The 24-Hour Economy policy is one of the government's flagship programmes for 2025-2026, focusing on urban and peri-urban markets nationwide to boost productivity and curb youth migration from rural areas.