Government is expected to establish 43 model markets across the Ashanti Region under its flagship 24-hour economy policy implementation.
Known as the 24-hour model markets, the projects will include the construction and completion of stalled markets in the region.
The markets will be designed as comprehensive economic hubs with each facility hosting police posts, fire service stations, women development banks, sanitary facilities, and lockable shops for uninterrupted business operations.
Speaking during the Consideration of the Annual Audit Statements of the MMDAs in the middle sector, Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, emphasized that priority will be given to the completion of abandoned market projects before new ones commence.
Infrastructure such as Krofrom market, started in 2008, and Mamponteng market, initiated in 2012, will be completed under the current plan.
Additionally, the Mampong Municipal market, which has seen only one phase completed, will be fully constructed to enhance commercial capacity.
“Importantly, for each district we have decided that key market infrastructure that remains abandoned must be completed before initiating new ones. For instance, in the case of KMA, we will not begin a new 24-hour economy market but will rather inject resources into the Krofrom project to complete it. If there is a need to initiate additional markets under BFCF, we will proceed accordingly,” Dr. Amoakohene explained.
The 24-hour policy seeks to stimulate economic activity around the clock and aims to expand commercial infrastructure, reduce unemployment, and strengthen local economies in one of Ghana’s busiest trading regions.
“Many residents in the Ashanti engage in commercial activities even while having white collar jobs. The initiative therefore, intends to provide modern, accessible, and sustainable trading spaces that reflect the region’s economic potential,” the Minister noted.
Other infrastructural projects
Beyond physical construction, the government’s plan includes integrated development projects implemented by central authorities through respective ministries.
Dr. Amoakohene disclosed the government has released 80 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across Ashanti Region to support infrastructure and social development projects.
He highlighted that most assemblies have already received a minimum of two quarterly disbursements, enabling the commencement of various local projects.
According to regional authorities, the funds are directly tied to specific development initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and community infrastructure.
Out of the total allocation, 10 percent has been earmarked to provide furniture for schools to enhance the learning environment for children in basic and primary institutions.
“Aside from furniture provision, 10 percent of the allocation will also support the construction of classroom blocks with each district expected to receive at least two new blocks. This will comprise kindergarten and primary school facilities to accommodate increasing student populations and improve access to quality education,” Dr. Amoakohene noted.
Another 10 percent is dedicated to the health sector, with the goal of constructing at least two Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in each district.
“Priority is being given to abandoned or incomplete CHPS projects to ensure their completion, while new facilities will be built in areas without existing ones. This will deliver 86 CHPS compounds across Ashanti Region, significantly expanding access to basic healthcare services,” he noted.
Dr. Amoakohene believes this intervention will address gaps identified by the Ghana Health Service, which has demarcated several CHPS zones currently without functioning health facilities.
“The expansion of CHPS compounds is expected to bring healthcare delivery closer to households, reducing travel distances and improving early health interventions at the community level,” he added.
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