Dzodze: Mr Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, and Rev Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive, have engaged residents of Dzodze, including market women, chiefs, and other stakeholders, on the proposed 24-hour economy market project for the municipality.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement, held at the Municipal Assembly with the support of the Presiding Member and officials of the Ketu North Municipal Assembly, was part of consultations on the siting and implementation of the proposed market project under the government's 24-hour economy initiative. This initiative follows the official signing of contracts by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, led by the Regional Minister with all 18 Municipal and District Assemblies in the Region, for the commencement of the market projects.
Mr Agbana stated that the proposed market project was a fulfilment of a campaign promise by President John Dramani Mahama to construct modern markets across the country under the 24-hour economy policy, including one for Ketu North. He emphasized the government's commitment to delivering on that promise, noting that financial allocation for the project had been made, with part of the District Assemblies Common Fund earmarked for the construction.
He explained that the market, once completed, is expected to operate on a 24-hour basis and must be strategically located within the heart of Dzodze, the municipal capital, to ensure accessibility, patronage, and economic viability. He highlighted the importance of positioning the facility to serve the interests of traders and residents, preventing it from becoming underutilized. "We do not want to site this important project in a location that will make access difficult and eventually turn it into a white elephant. That is why we are here to consult the people and allow them to help determine the most suitable location for the market," he said.
Rev Amenaki remarked that the consultative meeting was necessary following the signing of the contract and a directive by the Volta Regional Minister for contractors to move to the site within two weeks or risk termination of their contracts. He stressed the importance of engaging the intended beneficiaries of the project to brief them on its scope, operational model, and secure consensus on a suitable site for its construction. Rev Amenaki also noted that broad stakeholder participation in the planning stage was critical to the long-term success and sustainability of the market.
Participants, including traditional leaders, market women, and Assembly members, were given the opportunity to make inputs and offer suggestions on the proposed project and its location. The meeting also allowed stakeholders to raise concerns, ask questions, and propose possible sites for consideration by the Assembly. At the end of the engagement, participants expressed satisfaction with the consultative process and pledged support for the project. The Assembly is expected to finalize consultations and hand over the agreed site to contractors for work to commence.