President John Dramani Mahama has announced an ambitious plan to construct a modern market in Asesewa aimed at restoring the town’s historic status as a major commercial hub in the Eastern Region.
Addressing residents during his ResettingTour of the Eastern region, President Mahama traced the rich history of the Asesewa market, noting that it dates back to 1935 and was once widely recognized across the country.
“Historically, Asesewa has been a market town for many years when we were growing up, some of our primary school readers even mentioned the Asesewa market,” he recalled, referencing stories of traders and transport operators who supported its vibrant activity in earlier decades.
He acknowledged, however, that the market’s infrastructure has not kept pace with time, leading to a decline in its prominence since the 1960s and 1970s.
Major Market Upgrade
The President explained that the new project fulfills a campaign promise he made in 2016 to redevelop the market and boost economic activity in the area.
The proposed modern facility will include 100 lockable stores and 150 open stalls, designed to accommodate different categories of traders.
In addition, the market will feature key support infrastructure such as a police station and fire station to ensure security and safety, as well as a clinic, pharmacy, and daycare center to support traders particularly women with young children.
“It will have a women’s bank so traders do not have to carry cash on them at the end of the day, they can safely deposit their earnings,” he stated.
Enhanced Trading Facilities
President Mahama revealed that the market will also include 10 warehouses and two cold stores to help traders preserve goods, particularly perishable items such as meat and frozen products.
Other facilities will include 36 washrooms with showers, a meat shop, a supermarket, a restaurant, and a 10-unit food court to support local food vendors.
To accommodate traders traveling from distant areas, six guest rooms will be constructed within the market complex.
The project will further include a designated livestock trading area, a sanitation yard for proper waste management, and an open trading space for informal vendors.
Economic Transformation
According to the President, the market is expected to be “transformational,” restoring Asesewa’s reputation as a key economic center and stimulating local commerce.
“This market is going to bring back the reputation of Asesewa as a market center,” he said.
He added that the new facility, together with the existing market, will significantly enhance the town’s commercial activity.
Infrastructure Support
President Mahama emphasized that the success of the market will depend on complementary infrastructure, particularly water supply and road networks.
He pledged to complete the stalled Asesewa water project, noting that access to water remains essential for both residents and businesses.
“Water is life we will continue that project and make sure that we bring water to Asesewa and surrounding communities,” he assured.
The President also announced plans to improve feeder roads in the area under a World Bank-supported programme, stressing that efficient transportation is critical to the market’s success. “Without a good road network, if you put a market, it will not realize its full potential,” he noted.
Commitment to Development
President Mahama concluded by thanking residents for their warm reception and reaffirming his government’s commitment to equitable development across the country.
The Asesewa market project forms part of a broader national initiative to construct modern markets in districts to accelerate local economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
