Aiyinasi: The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and MP for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has initiated the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market centre at Aiyinasi in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region. The project, valued at GH?32 million, is being executed by MacWest Construction Limited on behalf of the Ellembelle District Assembly as part of the government's initiative to extend trading hours, create jobs, and boost local commerce.
According to Ghana Web, during the sod-cutting ceremony, Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the significance of the market, highlighting that it would provide traders and residents with a secure, well-lit space for continuous activity. He urged the contractor to engage local workers in the construction, aiming to reduce youth unemployment and increase incomes for small and medium-scale traders. The MP stated, 'This is about creating opportunities that don't stop when the sun sets. The 24-hour economy is a practical way to unlock the potential of our markets and keep money circulating in our communities.'
Additionally, Armah-Kofi Buah announced plans under the One Million Coders programme to train 50 youths in various programmes at Aiyinasi. He also revealed the establishment of a palmnut factory in the district to create employment and stimulate the local economy. He commended the District Chief Executive, Joseph Agyekum, for securing GH?11 million for Ellembelle, following its recognition as one of the best assemblies in the Western Region. These funds will be used to establish a district hospital at Nkroful, the hometown of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The modern market is set to include a police station, fire service station, gym centre, KG, supermarket, stores, car station, clinic, restaurant, and a branch of the Women's Bank, among other facilities. Construction work is slated to begin on June 1, 2026.
DCE Joseph Agyekum expressed gratitude to the chiefs and elders of Aiyinasi for providing land for the market and appealed to residents to support the contractor in completing the work as scheduled. The Divisional Chief of Aiyinasi, Nana Etwe Kpanyinli VI, praised the MP and DCE for their efforts and thanked President John Mahama for fulfilling his campaign promise of providing a modern market.
Local leaders and Assembly Members present at the event welcomed the project, describing it as a timely intervention for Aiyinasi, a commercial hub for parts of the Ellembelle District. They pledged their full commitment to supporting the contractor in completing the project on schedule.
The 24-hour economy policy is one of the government's flagship programmes for 2025-2026, targeting urban and peri-urban markets nationwide to enhance productivity and reduce youth migration from rural areas.