The sod-cutting ceremony, held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, forms part of a government initiative spearheaded by the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. The initiative seeks to empower local governments to promote trade and business development across the country.

The programme is also aimed at boosting productivity and the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by enabling factories and businesses to operate around the clock to produce goods for both local consumption and export. The initiative is expected to create employment opportunities and help reduce unemployment, particularly among the youth and women.

The construction of the Agartha Market has been awarded to Fedems Consult and Afritek Construction Limited, with the project expected to be completed within 36 months.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Ransford Owusu Boakye stated that the project fulfills President John Dramani Mahama’s promise to Ghanaians to create an enabling environment for businesses to operate 24 hours a day, marking a shift from the country’s traditional business system.

The Chairman for the occasion, Nana Twumasi Dankwa, Gyaasehene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, who represented the Omanhene, Daasebre Nana Kwaku Boateng III, expressed appreciation to the government for recognising the need to establish a modern 24-hour economy market for the people of New Juaben, especially residents of Koforidua.

He advised the public, particularly traditional authorities, to avoid partisan politics, stressing that development should remain the primary focus of every traditional leader.

Nana Twumasi Dankwa also urged the contractors to expedite work on the project to ensure its timely completion and enable the people to benefit from the facility.