Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed government’s commitment to complete stalled market projects nationwide, describing markets as vital to women’s livelihoods and local economic growth.
Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and residents of Mamponteng in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region on Monday, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said markets are “the offices of women,” where countless families earn their daily bread.
“If the market is in good shape, our women can work, sell, and provide for their families. That is why we will not abandon this project,” she assured.
The Vice President, on a working tour of key markets in the Ashanti Region, visited the Mamponteng Jubilee Market Project site, Suame Market—parts of which were destroyed by fire—and the Krofuom Market. She was joined by senior government officials, regional leaders, and party executives, and received by Nana Saasi Ayeboafo II, Chief of Mamponteng.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the years-long delays that have left traders operating in unsafe conditions but pledged to mobilise resources through the District Assemblies Common Fund and other avenues to resume work without further setback.
She also highlighted broader priorities, including investing in education and youth development, urging unity beyond political differences.
Kwabre East Municipal Chief Executive Joseph Amankwah noted that completing the market could create over 1,000 jobs and improve revenue for the assembly. The project, launched in 2012 at a cost of $8.84 million, was abandoned a year later due to funding shortfalls.
The MCE detailed the market’s design, which includes a three-storey administration block, nearly 200 lockable shops, 188 stalls, banking halls, a supermarket, warehouses, toll booths, and a day-care centre.
The Chief of Mamponteng thanked the Vice President for prioritising the project, expressing hope that the market—started under a previous NDC administration—would finally be completed.
Source : graphic.com
