The Ga West Municipal Assembly has commenced construction of a 24-hour economy market at Ga Odumase following a sod-cutting ceremony held on Friday, September 25, 2026.

The project, which is expected to transform commercial activities in the area, will provide traders and businesses with modern, safe and well-organised facilities while creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and local economic development.

The ceremony was attended by the Municipal Chief Executive for Ga West, Hon. John Desmond Sowah Nai; Member of Parliament for the Amasaman Constituency, Hon. Sedem Kwaku Afenyo; Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Akweley Ocloo; Deputy Local Government Minister, Rita Naa Sowah; Municipal Coordinating Director, Mrs Louisa Benon; representatives of the Ga Odumase Traditional Council, Assembly Members, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the ceremony, the MCE, Hon. John Desmond Sowah Nai, described the project as an important step towards expanding economic opportunities for residents of Ga West.

He said the market was being developed as a modern economic centre that would provide a decent environment for traders, create employment opportunities for young people, support farmers to market their produce and enable businesses to expand.

Hon. Sowah Nai said the project formed part of the Assembly’s broader development agenda and noted that the construction of the 24-hour economy model market at Ga Odumase had been captured in the Assembly’s 2026 Annual Action Plan with a budget allocation of GH¢9,432,401.68.

He assured stakeholders of the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring value for money, quality workmanship and timely completion of the project. He urged the contractor and technical team to execute and certify all works in accordance with the approved specifications and contract requirements.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Akweley Ocloo, welcomed the commencement of the project and said the facility would contribute to expanding economic activities and creating employment opportunities in the community.

She encouraged prospective beneficiaries, particularly women, young people, traders, artisans and small-scale businesses, to take advantage of the opportunities the market would provide. She also urged the contractor to engage members of the local community in the construction process to promote local participation.

The Deputy Local Government Minister, Rita Naa Sowah, said the project was intended to provide traders, particularly market women, with a safe, clean and dignified environment for conducting their businesses.

She disclosed that the market would include stalls, shops, warehouses, washrooms, a nursery and a clinic, among other supporting facilities. She said the inclusion of a clinic would enable traders and other users of the facility to access basic healthcare without having to leave the market.

Rita Naa Sowah urged the contractor to maintain quality and complete the project within the agreed timeframe. She also appealed to the community to protect the project and prevent the removal or misuse of construction materials.

The Member of Parliament for the Amasaman Constituency, Hon. Sedem Kwaku Afenyo, expressed appreciation to the traditional authorities and residents for their cooperation in making the land available for the project.

He said the market would create opportunities for traders, farmers, businesses and young people and urged all stakeholders to support the timely completion of the facility.

Speaking on behalf of the Ga Odumase Traditional Council, Nii Acquah III expressed appreciation for the project and pledged the Council’s support towards its successful implementation.

The project consultant also assured stakeholders that the construction would be carried out in accordance with the required standards. He called on residents to take ownership of the project by monitoring the site and protecting construction materials.

The sod-cutting ceremony was followed by a site inspection by the dignitaries and project stakeholders.

When completed, the Ga Odumase 24-hour economy market is expected to improve trading conditions, enhance sanitation, create employment opportunities, support local businesses and farmers, and contribute to economic development within Ga West Municipality.

Source: Gifty Owusu Kattah, ISD-GWMA