The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has officially cut sod for the construction of a state-of-the-art 24-hour market centre at Aiyinasi in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.
The ambitious project, valued at approximately GH¢32 million, is being undertaken by fast-rising construction firm MacWest Construction Limited on behalf of the Ellembelle District Assembly as part of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative aimed at boosting commerce, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth.
Addressing chiefs, residents, traders and stakeholders during the sod-cutting ceremony held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah described the project as a transformational intervention that would redefine trading and commercial activities within the district.
According to him, the modern facility will provide traders and residents with a secure, well-lit and vibrant environment capable of supporting round-the-clock economic activities.
He further urged the contractor to prioritise local labour during the construction phase to ensure that residents directly benefit from the project through employment opportunities.
“This initiative is about creating opportunities that do not end when the sun goes down. The 24-hour economy policy is a practical approach to unlocking the enormous potential of our local markets while keeping economic activities alive within our communities,” he stated.
The Ellembelle legislator also disclosed that government’s One Million Coders Programme would train at least 50 young people within Aiyinasi in various digital and technological fields to equip them with employable skills for the future economy.
In addition, he announced plans to establish a palm nut processing factory within the district to further create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah commended the District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Joseph Kwasi Armah Agyekum, for securing an additional GH¢11 million development support package for the district after the Assembly emerged as one of the best-performing assemblies in the Western Region.
He revealed that the funds would be channelled into the construction of a district hospital at Nkroful, the hometown of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The ultra-modern market complex is expected to feature a police station, fire service station, clinic, gymnasium, supermarket, stores, transport terminal, restaurant, a branch of the Women’s Bank and several other modern facilities designed to enhance commercial convenience and security.
Construction works are scheduled to commence officially on June 1, 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Divisional Chief of Aiyinasi, Nana Etwe Kpanyinli VI, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling his campaign promise to the people of Aiyinasi.
“In 2016, 2020 and 2024, President Mahama visited Aiyinasi and promised us a modern market. Today, that promise has become a reality,” the chief remarked.
He noted that the existing market, which is over 69 years old, no longer meets the growing commercial demands of the area and stressed the urgent need for a modern replacement.
The DCE, Joseph Kwasi Armah Agyekum, also thanked the chiefs and elders of Aiyinasi for releasing the land for the project and appealed to residents to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure timely completion of the market.
Assembly Members and local leaders who attended the ceremony described the project as a timely and strategic intervention for Aiyinasi, which continues to serve as a major commercial hub for many communities within the Ellembelle District.
The government’s 24-hour economy policy remains one of its key socio-economic programmes for 2025/26, targeting urban and peri-urban commercial centres nationwide to drive productivity, create employment and reduce rural-urban migration.