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Akufo Addo cuts sod for phase II of Kumasi central market redevelopment project

 

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has cut the sod for the commencement of phase two of the redevelopment project of the Kumasi Central Market and the provision of associated infrastructure.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, 2nd May, 2019, at Kejetia, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the start of the 2nd phase of the redevelopment project, in addition to numerous projects ongoing in Asantemen, and, indeed, across the country demonstrates government’s unwavering commitment to deliver significant infrastructure projects that will create jobs and enhance economic development.

“The redevelopment of the Kumasi Central Market is a two hundred and forty-eight-million-euro (€248 million) project, and it is being financed by Deutsche Bank of Germany, with export credit guarantee from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF). The construction will be undertaken by Messrs Contracta Construction Ltd, UK, and will be finished within 48 months,” the President said.

Upon completion, the redeveloped market will have six thousand, five hundred (6,500) leasable commercial spaces; five thousand, four hundred (5,400) closed stores; eight hundred (800) kiosks; fifty (50) restaurants; two hundred and ten (210) fishmonger and butcher stores; forty (40) livestock stores; and one thousand, eight hundred square metres (1,800m2) of community facilities.

 

Additionally, the project will also provide other essential facilities such as a waste treatment plant, a police station, a fire station, post offices, and an amphi-theatre.

President Akufo-Addo was confident that the redevelopment of the Kumasi Central Market, and the delivery of associated infrastructure, will help address and mitigate the underlying causes of fire outbreaks in this market; create some nine hundred (900) direct jobs and two thousand, five hundred (2,500) indirect jobs; improve the safety and security of traders and consumers; and provide better conditions for mobility in the area, allowing traders to receive their merchandise, and customers to access the market, in a safer and more organized manner.

 

“I appeal to all of you, city authorities, traders, customers and residents, to support and co-operate with the contractor, Messrs Contracta Construction Ltd, so as to complete this project on time. I know I can count on all of you in this regard,” the President added.

 

Infrastructural projects for Kumasi

President Akufo-Addo recalled that, in the run-up to the December 2016 election, as expressly stated in the Manifesto of the New Patriotic Party, the party pledged to “embark on a sustainable and integrated infrastructural development programme across the country”.

 

Towards the realisation of this pledge with respect to Asanteman, in August 2018, the President cut the sod for the commencement of the Kumasi Roads Facelift Project, which, amongst others, includes the Kumasi Drainage and Roads Extension Project; the remodeling of the four roundabouts between Ejisu and KNUST to help improve safety and reduce the heavy congestion being experienced on the N6 highway; and an asphaltic overlay on 135 kilometres of roads within the Kumasi Metropolis to deal with the issue of potholes, and, thereby, give the roads in the Metropolis a new lease of life.

 

“In addition to these, a few weeks ago, in Tamale, I cut the sod for the commencement of phase 1 projects of the $2 billion Government of Ghana/Sinohydro Master Project Support Agreement (MPSA). Lot 2 of this project will see to the construction of 100 kilometres of Kumasi and Mampong Inner City Roads. In Kumasi, the affected road networks are in Manhyia, Suame, Tafo Pankrono, Asokwa, Kwadaso, Oforikrom, Subin, Nhyiaeso and Bantama,” he said.

 

The President continued, “A fortnight ago, Parliament approved a one hundred and fifty-five million-euro (€155 million) facility for the completion and equipping of the maternity and children’s block of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, a project which has stood uncompleted for well over forty (40) years.”

 

In concluding, President Akufo-Addo assured the Asantehene that his government is committed to putting this country onto the path of broad progress and prosperity, by enhancing the living standards of all Ghanaians.

 

“This project, and others currently ongoing, demonstrate our commitment towards this, and I will appeal to you to take a keen interest in seeing to the completion of phase II of this important project, which I have no doubt you will,” he added.

 

Source: Thepressradio.com/ Odiasempa Mensah

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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