Armah-Kofi Buah cuts sod for GH₵32 Million 24-Hour Market Project in Aiyinasi
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has cut the sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market centre at Aiyinasi in the Western Region.
The GH₵32 million project, being undertaken by MacWest Construction Limited on behalf of the Ellembelle District Assembly, forms part of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative aimed at boosting commerce, creating jobs and promoting economic activity beyond traditional trading hours.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said the market would provide traders and residents with a secure, well-lit environment to support business activities around the clock.
He urged the contractor to prioritise the employment of local residents during the construction phase, stressing that the project would help tackle youth unemployment while improving incomes for small and medium-scale enterprises.
“This is about creating opportunities that do not end when the sun goes down. The 24-hour economy offers a practical pathway to unlock the full potential of our markets and keep economic activity thriving within our communities,” he stated.
The MP further announced that 50 young people from Aiyinasi would benefit from training opportunities under the government’s One Million Coders programme.
He also disclosed plans to establish a palmnut processing factory in the district to generate employment and stimulate local economic growth.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah commended the District Chief Executive, Joseph Agyekum, for securing GH₵11 million in funding for Ellembelle after the assembly was recognised as one of the best-performing district assemblies in the Western Region.
According to him, the funds will support the construction of a district hospital at Nkroful, the birthplace of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The proposed market complex will feature a range of facilities, including a police station, fire service station, clinic, restaurant, supermarket, kindergarten, gymnasium, stores, transport terminal and a branch of the Women’s Bank.
Construction is expected to commence on June 1, 2026.
For his part, District Chief Executive Joseph Agyekum expressed appreciation to the chiefs and elders of Aiyinasi for making land available for the project. He also appealed to residents to cooperate with the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the market.
The Divisional Chief of Aiyinasi, Nana Etwe Kpanyinli VI, praised both the MP and the DCE for championing the initiative and thanked President John Dramani Mahama for delivering on a long-standing campaign promise.
He recalled that President Mahama had pledged to construct a modern market for the community during visits to Aiyinasi in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
“Today, that promise has been fulfilled,” the chief said, adding that the community was ready to replace its more than 60-year-old market with a modern facility.
Assembly Members and other local leaders who attended the event welcomed the project, describing it as a significant boost for Aiyinasi, a key commercial centre within the Ellembelle District.
They pledged their support to ensure the successful execution of the project.
The 24-hour economy policy remains one of the government’s flagship programmes for 2025–2026 and seeks to transform urban and peri-urban markets across the country, increase productivity and reduce youth migration from rural communities.
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