The District Chief Executive for Achiase District Assembly, Hon Samuel Owusu Brako, has presided over the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a Multipurpose 24-Hour Economy Market Facility at Akim Achiase, describing the project as a transformative milestone for commerce and employment within the Achiase District.
The ceremony drew a wide range of dignitaries, including the Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, fellow Chief Executives, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, party officials, and members of the ruling National Democratic Congress.
Hon. Owusu Brako opened his address by welcoming attendees to what he described as a historic occasion for the district, framing the project as more than a simple infrastructure undertaking.
“Today is not merely the commencement of a construction project, but the beginning of a groundbreaking journey that will reshape commerce, create employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth within the Achiase District.
“This occasion marks yet another major step in our collective efforts to enhance the quality of life of our people through purposeful infrastructure development”.
District Chief Executive for Achiase District Assembly, Hon Samuel Owusu Brako,
Part of Government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy
The DCE positioned the Achiase market within the broader context of the Government of Ghana’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Policy, championed under President John Dramani Mahama, explaining the policy’s core objective of encouraging round-the-clock business operations through structured shift systems.
“The policy seeks to unlock Ghana’s productive potential by encouraging businesses and public institutions to operate around the clock through three eight-hour shifts, thereby increasing productivity, expanding employment opportunities, promoting value addition, and strengthening Ghana’s competitiveness in both domestic and international markets”.
District Chief Executive for Achiase District Assembly, Hon Samuel Owusu Brako,
He added that government has introduced several complementary measures to support businesses operating under this model, including tax incentives and financial support mechanisms.
“In addition, modern market infrastructure is being developed across the country to provide conducive environments for trade, investment, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Markets as Engines of Local Prosperity
Hon. Owusu Brako emphasised the broader economic role markets play within communities, describing them as essential links between producers and consumers that sustain small businesses and agricultural value chains.
“A thriving market is the heartbeat of every prosperous community. Markets connect producers with consumers, create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, support agricultural value chains, and stimulate local economic activities.
“Every investment in market infrastructure is therefore an investment in jobs, livelihoods, and the future prosperity of our people”.
District Chief Executive for Achiase District Assembly, Hon Samuel Owusu Brako,
He explained that the timing of the project responds directly to the district’s growing commercial needs, adding that the construction of the Multipurpose 24-Hour Economy Market comes at a critical time when the district requires improved commercial infrastructure to support its growing population and expanding local economy.
Upon completion, the DCE noted that the facility will serve farmers, traders, transport operators, artisans, teachers, entrepreneurs, and consumers not only within the Achiase District but also neighbouring districts.
A Modern Facility With Extensive Amenities
The DCE detailed the extensive range of features planned for the new market, distinguishing it sharply from traditional market structures common across the country. Unlike the traditional markets of the past, Hon. Owusu Brako noted that the modern facility has been designed to provide a safe, efficient, and business-friendly environment.
According to him, it will include banking facilities, storage warehouses, cold rooms, restaurants, modern sanitation facilities, clinics, crèches, reliable water and electricity supply, fire safety systems, and 24-hour security services.
He explained that these amenities are expected to directly improve trading conditions and reduce losses for those who depend on the market for their livelihoods. “These facilities will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve the quality of trading, enhance productivity, and promote inclusive economic growth throughout the district,” he said.
Appreciation Extended to Government and Traditional Leaders
Hon. Owusu Brako expressed gratitude on behalf of the Achiase District Assembly to President Mahama for the intervention, alongside appreciation for the Regional Minister’s continued support and the traditional authorities who facilitated the project by making land available.
He extended similar recognition to Assembly Members, implementing agencies, the contractor, party members and various stakeholders whose contributions brought the project to this stage.
Turning to the practical execution of the project, Hon. Owusu Brako appealed directly to the contractor to maintain high standards throughout construction, stressing that the facility’s long-term value depends on the quality of work delivered.
“I also call upon the people of Achiase to take ownership of this project by cooperating fully with the contractor, protecting the construction site, and ensuring that the project is completed successfully without unnecessary interruptions”.
District Chief Executive for Achiase District Assembly, Hon Samuel Owusu Brako
Warning Against Theft of Building Materials
The DCE issued a direct warning regarding the security of construction materials, cautioning that anyone caught stealing supplies meant for the project would face legal consequences.
Hon. Owusu Brako closed his address by describing the anticipated long-term impact of the completed market on the district’s socio-economic development, framing it as a symbol of resilience and empowerment for the community.
“When completed, this Market will stand not only as a centre of commerce but also as a lasting symbol of progress, innovation, resilience, and economic empowerment.
“It will enhance business opportunities, improve household incomes, create sustainable employment, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic transformation of the Achiase District”.
District Chief Executive for Achiase District Assembly, Hon Samuel Owusu Brako
He ended with a call for continued unity among residents and stakeholders as the project moves forward. “Let us therefore continue to work together in unity and partnership to build a stronger, more prosperous, and economically vibrant district for both present and future generations,” he said.
The Achiase market forms part of a broader nationwide rollout of 24-hour economy model markets under government’s flagship policy, joining similar projects already commissioned or underway in districts across the country.
As construction begins at Akim Achiase, the project stands as another example of how government intends to translate its national economic policy into tangible infrastructure benefiting local communities, with residents and traders in the district now awaiting the facility’s eventual completion and the commercial opportunities it is expected to unlock.
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