The Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly has officially cut sod for the construction of a modern 24-Hour Economy Market at Twedie, marking a significant milestone in the district’s quest for economic transformation and sustainable development.
Addressing dignitaries, traditional authorities, assembly members, and residents at the ceremony, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah, described the occasion as “not just breaking ground, but breaking boundaries.
According to her, the project forms part of the Government of Ghana’s vision to implement the 24-Hour Economy Policy, aimed at stimulating continuous economic activity, increasing productivity, creating employment opportunities, and expanding local economic growth.
She noted that the market is a visionary project that will transform the economic landscape of the Atwima Kwanwoma District and position Twedie as a strategic commercial hub within the Ashanti Region and beyond.
“The project will not only enhance commercial activities within the district but will also position Twedie as a strategic trading centre capable of attracting businesses and investments from across the region,” she stated.
Hon. Agyemang Asamoah observed that for generations, markets across the country have operated largely on a sunrise-to-sunset model, where business activities come to a halt after dark, resulting in lost economic opportunities.
She explained that the 24-Hour Economy Market will create opportunities for increased trade, improve household incomes, provide sustainable employment for the youth, and strengthen the economic resilience of residents.
Describing markets as the heartbeat of every local economy, the DCE emphasized that they serve as centres for trade, entrepreneurship, social interaction, and income generation. She added that the district’s growing population and increasing commercial activities require modern infrastructure capable of supporting efficient, safe, and uninterrupted trading activities throughout the day and night.
She further indicated that the facility is not an ordinary market, but a modern infrastructure carefully designed to meet the demands of a vibrant 24-hour economy while providing convenience, safety, and comfort for traders and patrons.
The DCE appealed to the contractors to ensure quality workmanship and timely completion of the project in accordance with approved specifications. She also called on the people of Twedie and surrounding communities to support the contractors and safeguard the project throughout the construction phase and beyond.
Hon. Agyemang Asamoah expressed profound gratitude to the President of the Republic and the Government of Ghana for what she described as a visionary intervention. She also acknowledged the contributions of the Ashanti Regional Minister, the Member of Parliament, Assembly Members, Heads of Departments, the Assembly’s Technical Team, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts made the project possible.
Special appreciation was extended to the traditional authorities for their unwavering support and for making available the land required for the execution of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the Twedie Traditional Council, Nana Akwasi Acheampong, Asafo Sanaahene, who represented the Asafohene alongside other traditional leaders, urged the contractors to prioritize the engagement of local labour to help improve the livelihoods of community members.
He encouraged residents to take advantage of employment opportunities that will arise from the project and to demonstrate commitment, diligence, and discipline in their work.
The traditional authorities further called on the people to serve as watchdogs for the project and desist from acts that could undermine its successful completion, particularly theft and vandalism of construction materials and equipment.
The sod-cutting ceremony marks the beginning of what stakeholders believe will become a landmark economic infrastructure project capable of driving commerce, job creation, and inclusive growth within the Atwima Kwanwoma District.
By: Samuel Antwi-ISD
