The sod-cutting ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency, Hon. Ebenezer Prince Arhin, the Municipal ChiefExecutive (MCE), Mr. Eric Stanley Acquah, traditional authorities, government officials, traders, party executives, and members of the Mfantseman NDC Constituency led by Chairman Frederick Budu-Hagan.

The project forms part of the Government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy, which seeks to stimulate economic growth, increase productivity, create jobs, and expand business opportunities through continuous economic activities across various sectors. The market is expected to serve as a major commercial centre that will facilitate trade and improve livelihoods within Mankessim and its surrounding communities.

Addressing the gathering, the MCE Eric Stanley Acquah, described the project as a transformative intervention that would significantly contribute to the economic development of the municipality. He noted that the construction of the market reflects the Government’s commitment to improving market infrastructure while creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He expressed confidence that the project would not only provide modern trading facilities for traders but would also attract investors, boost local commerce, and generate employment opportunities for the youth. He urged residents and stakeholders to support the project to ensure its successful implementation and eventual completion.

The Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency, Hon. Ebenezer Prince Arhin, also lauded the commencement of the project, describing it as a fulfillment of the Government’s promise to improve economic opportunities and enhance infrastructure development across the country. He emphasized that the market would play a crucial role in supporting local businesses and strengthening economic activities within the constituency.

Traditional leaders present at the event welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation to the Government for selecting Mankessim as one of the beneficiaries of the flagship programme. They appealed to residents to cooperate with the contractor and all relevant authorities to ensure smooth execution of the project.

The contract for the construction of the market has been awarded to Messrs. Brison Co. Ltd., which has been tasked with delivering the project within a period of 36 months. Representatives of the company assured stakeholders of their readiness and commitment to executing the project according to the required standards and specifications.

The contractor pledged to employ high-quality construction materials and best engineering practices throughout the implementation phase. Company officials further assured the public that adequate measures would be put in place to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe without compromising quality.

Speakers at the ceremony reiterated the importance of accountability, quality assurance, and effective supervision in ensuring the successful completion of the project. They stressed that strict monitoring mechanisms would be established to guarantee that work progresses according to schedule and in line with approved standards.

The planned 24-Hour Economy Market is expected to feature modern trading facilities and supporting infrastructure designed to accommodate a large number of traders and customers. Upon completion, the facility is anticipated to ease congestion, improve trading conditions, enhance revenue generation, and position Mankessim as a strategic commercial destination within the Central Region.

The sod-cutting ceremony therefore marks the beginning of  what many stakeholders believe will be a transformative project capable of stimulating economic growth, improving livelihoods, and contributing to the overall development agenda of the Mfantseman Municipality and Ghana as a whole.