The Municipal Chief Executive for Ga North, Mr. Akwetey Agbo, has disclosed that there are plans to give the Pokuase Market a major facelift.
He stated that, as part of the approved guidelines for the utilization of funds allocated to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), a portion of the allocation would be directed towards the redevelopment of the market.
Speaking to the media while touring the market after joining the Rainbow Radio Listeners’ Fund Club and other local community groups for a clean-up exercise, he emphasised that the initiative will significantly contribute to the efficient and transparent use of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), promoting local development and accountability.
He told journalists that the municipal assembly has received an allocation of over GH₵49 million, which will be used for development-focused projects.
Of this allocation, 25% is designated for the design and construction of 24-hour economy model markets, 10% for health facilities (with a minimum of two CHPS compounds), 10% for educational facilities, 10% for potable water provision, 10% for environmental sanitation, 10% for school furniture, and 20% for completing abandoned projects.
He commended President Mahama for this major transformative agenda, stating, “This is commendable, and we must applaud President Mahama because this is the first time in our history that we are receiving such an allocation. The president is dedicated and believes that a well-developed municipal, district, and metropolitan assembly will translate into national development.”
“The allocation we have received will be used for the intended purposes. We have plans to construct a well-designed gated market with a daycare or kindergarten centre, as well as a special canteen where traders can send their children. Depending on the size of the market, there will also be a healthcare facility offering primary care and first aid services.This is the current model we want to bring to Pokuase.
In addition to Pokuase, we are considering constructing one at Saint Johns and Afiaman, which will be larger than the Pokuase market and other markets.”
He was, however, quick to add that the challenge is access to land, and they are currently engaging with traditional authorities to secure land for the project.Meanwhile, he assured the traders that the construction of the market and its allocation would be done transparently, without favouritism.
The Municipal Assembly, he added, will work with the market and ensure that every trader will have a place in the market once construction is complete. He also mentioned that there would be a flexible system to make the allocation more affordable.
Mr. Evans Nii Ashaley, the Assembly member for the Pokuase electoral area, has expressed strong support for the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), highlighting the unity among assembly members in backing the MCE’s vision for the municipality.
Mr. Ashaley described the MCE as “a dedicated man with a strong vision to transform the municipality.”
He specifically lauded the MCE’s plan to redevelop local markets, stating that this initiative “will go a long way in improving the economic conditions of the people.”
The market leaders also expressed their gratitude to the MCE and assured him of their support.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
