President John Dramani Mahama has broke ground for the construction of the iconic Asesewa market established in 1935.
The mordenization of the market Under the 24-Hour Market initiative will breathe life to the once vibrant and influential market in Ghana which gained popularity in Ghanaian educational books -“A Market Day at Asesewa” read by many learners in Basic schools for decades.
However, the once brisky market patronized by traders from Ashiaman, Tema, Accra, Koforidua, among others became a pale shadow of itself due to lack of investment to expand infrastructure virtually losing its pride to a suburb community market Akateng located along the Volta lake .
Addressing the people of Asesewa at the sod cutting ceremony, the President John Mahama noted that the 24 -Hour Economy Market will be constructed in 261 districts in Ghana stating that the Asesewa Market carries special significance due to historic nature of the market.
According to the President, the Market will have a 100 lockable stores, 150 open stores, a police station, a fire station, day care centre, a pharmacy, a clinic, a Women’s Development Bank post, 10 warehouses, 36 washrooms, a meat processing and two coldstores, first class restaurant, a food court, supermarket, 6 guest rooms, livestock area, office for a market manager, a sanitation yard, and an open pavement.
The President added that the 24-Hour Economy market is going to be transformational and bring back the reputation of Asesewa as economic centre and a market centre.
He assured that all major road networks connecting farming communities to the Asesewa market will be rehabilated to facilitate carting of farm produce to the market comolex to reduce post harvest losses.
Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, stated that the Asesewa Market is the engine of economic growth of the area and avenue for income generation for farmers hence construction of the market will directly translate into huge economic opportunities for the residents.
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The Chief of Asesewa Nene Offei Tagbadza commended President Mahama for fulfilling his promise to the people of Asesewa.
According to Nene Offei Tagbadza, “over the years the Asesewa market lost its prominence due to neglect and lack of modernization, successive government failed to upgrade to any meaningful way to optimise its full potential”
“In 2016 , you made a bold promise in your manifesto to modernise the Asesewa Market when elected as President of the Republic of Ghana , even though the opportunity did not come at the time the people of Manya Krobo Asesewa held firmly to your words”
“Having assumed the Presidency of the Republic of Ghana you have come back to fulfill the promised you have made, and it is of no wonder to some of us that the whole of the Eastern you are here to cut the sod so that we can have a modern Market here in Asesewa”
He reiterated by saying “coming back to fulfil that promise you made in 2016 , this and many more implementations of your promises made to the people of Ghana has indeed confirmed that you are the only President Mahama who says it and does it”
The President visit to the Upper Manya Krobo District forms part of his three days Restting Ghana Agenda Tour in the Eastern region.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
