President John Dramani Mahama has cut sod for the construction of a state-of-the-art 24-hour economy model market at Asesewa, a landmark project expected to restore the town’s historic prominence as one of Ghana’s vibrant commercial centres while opening a new chapter of economic opportunity for traders, farmers, and small-scale enterprises.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Friday, marked the fulfillment of a major campaign promise under the President’s broader economic transformation agenda, which seeks to stimulate district-level commerce, expand local enterprise, and create sustainable jobs through strategic infrastructure investment.
The Asesewa market project forms part of a nationwide initiative to construct 261 ultramodern district-level markets across the country, an ambitious programme designed to decentralize economic growth, strengthen local supply chains, and position communities as engines of national development under Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy.
Addressing a large gathering of traditional leaders, traders, residents, and government officials at the ceremony, President Mahama reflected on Asesewa’s proud commercial heritage, describing the town as a historic trading center whose growth has been constrained by years of inadequate market infrastructure.
“Historically, Asesewa has been a market town for many years, but over time, the infrastructure has not kept pace, affecting its growth,” the President stated.
He explained that the construction of the ultramodern market is intended not only to improve trading conditions, but also to reposition Asesewa as a thriving economic hub capable of attracting investment, increasing commerce, and stimulating surrounding local economies.
President Mahama stressed that the 24-hour market concept is central to his government’s broader economic vision, one that aims to unlock productivity beyond traditional business hours, encourage continuous economic activity, and create employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians, particularly women and youth engaged in trade and agribusiness.
“This initiative is about more than building markets. It is about building opportunity, creating jobs, and transforming local economies into centres of productivity and prosperity,” he emphasized.
The planned Asesewa market complex is designed as a modern integrated commercial enclave equipped with world-class facilities to support large-scale trading, storage, transportation, security, and social welfare services.
According to project details, the facility will include 100 lockable stores and 150 open trading stalls, providing secure and accessible spaces for traders dealing in food items, textiles, household goods, and agricultural produce.
It will also feature 36 modern washrooms fitted with improved sanitary amenities, addressing long-standing hygiene concerns often associated with traditional market spaces.
In a move to strengthen security and emergency preparedness, the market complex will include an on-site police post and fire station, ensuring rapid response to security threats, fire outbreaks, and other emergencies.
Recognizing the crucial role women play in local commerce, government has also incorporated social support infrastructure into the project. A daycare center will provide childcare support for market women, while an on-site pharmacy and health clinic staffed by professionals will improve access to healthcare services for traders and patrons.
A dedicated Women’s Bank is also expected to operate within the market complex, aimed at improving access to credit, financial literacy, and business support services for women entrepreneurs, many of whom remain excluded from formal financing systems despite their central role in Ghana’s informal economy.
The facility will further boast 10 warehouses for bulk storage, a meat processing and sales shop, two cold stores for perishable goods, and a restaurant with food courts to enhance convenience for traders and visitors.
In addition, plans include a shopping mall with six guest rooms, creating opportunities for business lodging and commercial expansion.
Provision has also been made for a livestock trading area, a market manager’s office, and a modern lorry terminal to improve transportation logistics, reduce congestion, and facilitate the smooth movement of goods and passengers.
For residents of Asesewa and surrounding communities, the project represents more than a market redevelopment initiative—it is widely seen as a catalyst for economic revival, urban renewal, and inclusive growth.
With construction now set to begin, many are hopeful that Asesewa will soon reclaim its historic identity as a bustling centre of trade, this time powered by modern infrastructure, expanded opportunity, and a bold vision for a 24-hour economy.
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z
The post Mahama advances 24-hour economy vision with ground-breaking market at Asesewa appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS