Hon. Dr Samuel Okoe Amanquah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly (KKMA), has emphasized the necessity of upgrading the existing market infrastructure at Kpone to better serve the community’s trading needs. He made the call on Wednesday, 7th February 2024 during a ground-breaking ceremony to symbolically mark the commencement of the construction of an ultra-modern market at Kpone.
The ceremony brought together dignitaries such as the Paramount chief of the Kpone Traditional Council; Nii Tetteh Otu II, the Presiding member; Hon. Joseph Gbeze. The rest included the clergy, market women, community members, head of Department and other stakeholders.
According to the Hon. MCE, the current market infrastructure, characterized by limited sheds, shops, and containers, falls short of meeting the demands of residents. Additionally, the lack of proper security measures has made traders vulnerable to theft. Recognizing these challenges, the municipal administration is committed to transforming the market into a modern trading centre.
The Hon. MCE delivering a speech. He is flanked by Hon. Joseph Akuerteh Tettey on the left and Hon. Joseph Gbeze on his right. |
Hon. Amanquah further disclosed that, the new market facility would have 120 lockable shops on both the ground and first floors, along with 64 sheds and off-loading bay. He also mentioned that, amenities such as a banking facility and a pharmacy will be incorporated to enhance the trading environment. Adjacent to the market, improvements will be made to the eroded grounds of the lorry station, including paving, shed construction, and the provision of offices and washrooms for transport operators and commuters.
With the necessary logistics secured and governments approval obtained, construction is set to commence, supported by a budget of GHS10 million. The timeline for completion is estimated at a maximum of 12 months, with the contractor expressing confidence in delivering the project ahead of schedule within eight months.
Hon. Joseph Akuerteh Tettey, the Member of Parliament for Kpone Constituency, urged the contractor to adhere to the agreed timeline to ensure timely completion and commencement of trading activities in the new facility.
Additionally, Ms. Christiana Teiko Ablade, the Market Queen for Kpone, lauded the efforts of the MCE and expressed optimism about the opportunities the modernized market would provide for traders.
The Hon. MCE and selected dignitaries breaking grounds to mark the construction of the ultra-modern Market. |
Paramount Chief of Kpone; Nii Tetteh Otu II |
SOURCE: ISD, KKMA