Ashanti Regional Minister Cuts Sod for 24-Hour Economy Market, Commissions Electrification Projects in 16 Ejura Communities

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has cut the sod for the construction of a 24-Hour Economy Market at Ejura in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, marking a major step towards expanding economic opportunities, creating jobs, and stimulating commercial activities in the Municipality.

The Minister also commissioned rural electrification projects connecting 16 communities in the Municipality to the national electricity grid and inspected a site designated for the construction of a Farmers Service Centre as part of his official working visit to the area.

The activities, held on Friday, 22nd May 2026, brought together the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Rafiu Adam Seidu; the Member of Parliament for the Ejura-Sekyedumase Constituency, Hon. Alhaji Muhammad Bawah Braimah; the Ejura Traditional Council led by the Ejurahene, Barima Osei Hwedie II; Zongo chiefs; religious leaders; Assembly Members; representatives of the security services; political and community leaders; Assembly staff; the media; and residents.

The 24-Hour Economy Market project, located on land acquired at the Ejura Ghana National Fire Service area, forms part of the Government’s broader 24-Hour Economy agenda under the Resetting Ghana Agenda. The project is designed to provide a modern commercial hub that will support continuous economic activity, enhance local trade, create employment opportunities, and improve access to essential services.

The facility is expected to comprise more than 300 lockable stores and open market stalls, alongside a range of supporting commercial and social infrastructure. These include a police station, fire station, clinic, pharmacies, a model school, restaurants, a Women’s Development Bank, a warehouse, a lorry park, a crèche, and other essential amenities.

The development is expected to create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship across several sectors, including health, education, security, trade, finance, hospitality, transport, and small-scale business. It is also expected to provide a reliable trading hub for farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, residents, visitors, and travellers while supporting round-the-clock commercial activities.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, described the project as a transformative intervention that would contribute significantly to local economic development, job creation, and improved livelihoods.

He explained that the Ejura project forms part of the Government’s broader vision to establish similar facilities across districts to support the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy agenda and stimulate economic growth at the local level.

Dr. Amoakohene expressed appreciation to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for championing the initiative and commended the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for his leadership and commitment towards its implementation.

He urged the chiefs, residents, and other stakeholders to cooperate with the contractor to facilitate the timely and successful completion of the project.

The Regional Minister also commended the collaborative efforts of the Member of Parliament, Hon. Alhaji Muhammad Bawah Braimah, and the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Rafiu Adam Seidu, for their commitment to the development of the Municipality.

As part of his engagement with traditional authorities, Dr. Amoakohene paid a courtesy call on the Ejura Traditional Council, where he expressed appreciation to the Ejurahene and the Traditional Council for their support and commitment to development.

The Minister particularly commended the Ejurahene for making land available for the 24-Hour Economy Market, the proposed Farmers Service Centre, and other strategic development projects within the Municipality. He noted that the availability of land for such initiatives was critical to the successful implementation of development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and stimulating economic activity.

Dr. Amoakohene emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between government institutions, traditional authorities, and local communities in achieving sustainable development. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting equitable development across the Ashanti Region and strengthening partnerships with traditional leaders to accelerate economic transformation.

The Minister also noted that the proposed Farmers Service Centre would provide important support to farmers through access to modern agricultural services, resources, and technical assistance, thereby contributing to increased agricultural productivity and food security.

Following the sod-cutting ceremony, the Regional Minister, together with the MCE and traditional leaders, proceeded to commission rural electrification projects serving 16 communities within the Municipality.

The beneficiary communities are Sabonline, Nkyensie, Kabiri Kura, Sunkwae, Dukukrom, Mepeasem, Aminamu, Gyato Kura, Kuanpa, Nantwikwamu, Mayeden, Danyame, Awabere, Nsubonta, Apaaso, and Baware.

The electrification projects are expected to improve living conditions and enhance security while creating new opportunities for local businesses and economic activities. Access to electricity is also expected to support education, improve communication and connectivity, and enable residents to engage in productive activities beyond daylight hours.

The delegation subsequently inspected a parcel of land donated by the Ejura Traditional Council for the construction of the proposed Farmers Service Centre.

The centre is expected to serve as a strategic facility for supporting farmers with modern agricultural services, technical assistance, resources, and other essential interventions to improve productivity and strengthen food security within the Municipality and surrounding communities.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Rafiu Adam Seidu, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the Ashanti Regional Minister, the Government, the Member of Parliament, and the traditional authorities for their support towards the development of the Municipality.

He noted that the Assembly, with the support of traditional leaders and the Member of Parliament, had undertaken several development initiatives through the District Assemblies Common Fund and other government interventions.

Among the projects highlighted were the construction of five Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, classroom blocks, toilet facilities, waste management and refuse evacuation exercises, the drilling of 20 mechanised boreholes, and electrification projects, with several of these interventions at various stages of completion.

The MCE said the projects formed part of the Assembly’s broader efforts to improve access to healthcare, education, water and sanitation, security, electricity, and other essential services while creating an enabling environment for economic development.

He assured residents that the Assembly would continue to work with the Government, the Member of Parliament, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders to attract and implement more development projects aimed at improving livelihoods and advancing the Municipality.

The Ejurahene, Barima Osei Hwedie II, who chaired the sod-cutting ceremony, commended the Government, the Member of Parliament, and the Municipal Chief Executive for their collaborative efforts towards the development of the Municipality.

He noted that the projects being undertaken demonstrated a commitment to improving the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Ejura-Sekyedumase and expressed confidence that the 24-Hour Economy Market would significantly transform commercial activities and create employment opportunities in Ejura and surrounding communities.

The Ejurahene also pledged the readiness of the Ejura Traditional Council to continue supporting development by making land available for strategic projects that would benefit the people of the Municipality.

The day’s activities marked a significant milestone in the development trajectory of the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality, combining economic infrastructure, rural electrification, and agricultural development in a coordinated effort to improve livelihoods and expand opportunities.

The Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal Assembly remains committed to working closely with the Government, traditional authorities, the Member of Parliament, religious leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders to promote inclusive development, expand infrastructure, create employment opportunities, and ensure that the benefits of development reach communities across the Municipality.