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The Tano North Municipal Assembly in the Ahafo Region has officially commenced the construction of a new 24-hour model market at Duayaw Nkwanta, in a major step towards transforming the municipality into a vibrant commercial hub.
The sod-cutting ceremony, held on Friday, August 14, 2026, brought together the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tano North, Pius Opoku, the Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, traditional authorities, assembly members, traders, youth groups and residents.
The project forms part of the government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy, aimed at expanding economic opportunities, creating employment and promoting sustained economic activity across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Opoku described the project as a significant milestone in the development agenda of Tano North, saying the modern market would provide an organised and secure environment for trading while creating opportunities for residents.
He said the project was expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the youth, artisans, traders and other businesses during the construction phase and after its completion.
According to him, the market would also enable traders to operate beyond conventional trading hours, thereby increasing commercial activity and allowing businesses to take advantage of opportunities presented by the 24-hour economy.
The new model market is expected to be equipped with a range of facilities designed to improve the trading experience and provide essential services to traders and customers.
Among the proposed facilities are modern trading stalls, storage facilities, a police post, police station, creche, health facility, women’s bank, drainage systems, lighting and parking spaces.
The inclusion of such facilities, Mr. Opoku said, would help promote safety, convenience and dignity in trading, particularly for women who constitute a significant proportion of the trading population.
The MCE further indicated that the project would have a wider economic impact on the municipality, with farmers, wholesalers, retailers, transport operators, artisans and other players in the local value chain expected to benefit.
He expressed the hope that the modern market would position Duayaw Nkwanta as an important trading centre for the Ahafo Region and neighbouring communities.
The project, he said, represented more than the construction of a market, describing it as an investment in the economic future of the municipality and its people.
Mr. Opoku expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the 24-hour economy initiative and acknowledged the support of the Ahafo Regional Minister, traditional authorities, assembly members and other stakeholders whose contributions had helped bring the project to fruition.
He also commended the MCE for Tano South, Hon. Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong, former DCE for Tano District, Hon. Opoku Atuahene, and other stakeholders for their support.
He assured residents that the Assembly would work to ensure that the project was executed with attention to quality, speed and transparency.
A new chapter for Tano North
The sod-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of what local authorities believe will be a new chapter in the economic development of Tano North.
For traders and residents of Duayaw Nkwanta, the project is expected to provide a more organised trading environment, while for the youth, it promises new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The Assembly believes that once completed and fully operational, the 24-hour model market will strengthen local commerce, improve livelihoods and contribute to the broader objective of building a more productive local economy.
The development also forms part of efforts to translate the government’s 24-hour economy vision into practical projects at the local level.
With construction now set to begin, attention will turn to the timely and quality delivery of the project and its eventual impact on traders, businesses and residents across Tano North.
Tano North is rising, with the 24-hour model market expected to become a major catalyst for commerce, employment and local economic growth.
