Kupulima: The Kupulima market in the Sissala West District has been reopened to business after it was temporarily closed down due to low patronage.
According to Ghana News Agency, the market has the potential to develop into a major commercial hub in the area, promoting cross-border trade due to its strategic location, 15 kilometres from Leo in Burkina Faso. The market, which operates a day after the Tumu market, also has facilities for quarantine and veterinary services, which could lead to the creation of a livestock market for both Ghana and Burkina Faso.
At a ceremony to mark the reopening of the market, Kuoro Osman Deiwia Nankpa III, the Paramount Chief of the Gandawii Traditional Area, called on locals to support and ensure the market's success for the benefit of the area and Ghana as a whole. He urged stakeholders, including traditional authorities, to implement measures against activities that could undermine the market. Kuoro Nankpa also commended past and present District Chief Executives (DCEs) for their contributions to the market's reopening.
Kuoro Amidu Borsu, the Chief of Kupulima, encouraged his kinsmen to patronise the market to create trading and business opportunities for local women and youth. In his remarks, Mr Forkah Mahamud, a former DCE for the area, appealed to the District Assembly and the Member of Parliament to advocate for a 24-hour market model for the area.
Mr Fuseini Gbene, the current DCE, expressed gratitude to both past and current governments for their efforts in improving and reopening the market. He highlighted that the NDC government has focused on 24-hour economy markets, leading to government investment in the Kupulima market. He urged community elders to preserve the market to enhance the socio-economic fortunes of the locals and the country.
The DCE assured the provision of adequate security for the safety of traders and encouraged small ruminant and poultry sellers to use the Kupulima market instead of the Leo market. Mr Mohammed Adams Sukparu, the MP for the area, echoed calls for constituents to support the market and to avoid illicit trade activities that could compromise safety and peace.
Chief Salam Sibiri of Leo in Burkina Faso, who attended the event, remarked, "The market is created for everyone, so that people can store and sell their goods, and come together as one community."