Kassena-nankana west: Mr Stephen Aeke Akurugo, the Kassena-Nankana West District Chief Executive, has announced plans by the Assembly to establish a modern 24-Hour Economy market at Nania to boost trade and economic activities in the area. The proposed facility, to be sited at Nania, a strategic commercial enclave within the district, forms part of efforts to expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and enhance local revenue generation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Akurugo disclosed this during a stakeholder engagement with community members, including the Paga Youth Movement and market women in Paga, as part of a broader revenue mobilisation drive. He explained that the project was captured in the Assembly's development plan and would be built on an already earmarked site where initial structures had been started but stalled. 'We are only going back to continue what was started by pushing down the dilapidated structure and putting up new structures. The location meets the requirement of being in a commercial area, and it will serve the entire district and beyond,' he said.
The DCE indicated that the 24-hour market would be a comprehensive facility designed to support round-the-clock economic activities and improve trading conditions. According to him, the market would include essential infrastructure such as a police post, fire station, pharmacy, cr¨che, cold storage facilities, lockable stores, hostel accommodation, parking space, and designated areas for social events. He noted that the project would not only decongest existing markets but also provide a safer and more organised environment for traders and customers.
Mr Akurugo added that the Assembly had received an award letter for the project and was awaiting formal acceptance by the contractor to enable work to commence. 'We are expecting the contractor to respond, after which we will set a date for the sod-cutting for work to begin,' he said. The DCE emphasised that the success of the project would depend on improved Internally Generated Funds, urging residents to support the Assembly's revenue mobilisation efforts. He said increased local revenue would enable the Assembly to invest in critical infrastructure and ensure the sustainability of projects such as the 24-hour economy market.
Stakeholders at the engagement welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformative project that could redefine commerce in the district. Mr Mandala Kassim Mubashir of the Paga Youth Movement commended the Assembly for prioritising economic infrastructure and expressed optimism that the project would create employment opportunities for the youth. Mrs Samitu Kumuriwo, spokesperson for the market women, lauded the initiative, noting that the provision of modern trading facilities, storage, and security services would significantly improve their operations.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote a 24-Hour Economy, aimed at maximising productivity and driving inclusive economic growth across the country.