The Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin AdjeiMensah Korsah, has inaugurated the newly constructed Agormanya market at a ceremony in Odumase-Krobo.
The project formed part of the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme (GSCSP), implemented by the government with financial backing from the World Bank.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the country’s rapid urbanization, which had seen over 50% of the population residing in urban areas as of 2021.
He noted that the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme, launched in 2019 with a $245 million World Bank credit facility, was aimed at building institutional capacity and providing essential infrastructure to 35 participating municipal assemblies.
“The programme provides integrated support, including roads, stormwater drains, pedestrian walkways, street electrification, markets, transport terminals and sanitation facilities, to reflect the municipalities’ status as urban centres,” the Minister stated. He acknowledged the contributions of partner institutions such as the Office of the Head of Local Government Service (OHLGS), the Land Use and Spatial Development Authority (LUSPA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in ensuring the programme’s success.
The market
The newly inaugurated Agormanya Market boasts 188 lockable stores designed to create a conducive environment for traders and businesses in the Odumase-Krobo community. The facility is expected to significantly boost economic activities, enhance revenue generation for the municipality, and provide a dignified space for market women and entrepreneurs.
Mr. Korsah lauded the efforts of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly in implementing the project, and tasked the Municipal Chief Executive to ensure proper maintenance of the facility. “It is essential that this market is put to good use and that measures are in place for its sustainability. The Ministry will not tolerate any lapses in this regard,” he cautioned.
Complementary projects
In addition to the market, the Minister highlighted other infrastructure investments in the municipality under the GSCSP. These include bituminous surfacing of township roads to improve vehicular mobility. There is also construction of a 40-meter storm drain box culvert at Manaam to mitigate flooding risks. Additionally, the development of link roads to enhance accessibility and safety.
He also commended the successful operation of the Business Resource Centre inaugurated Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, which had provided opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs while boosting the assembly’s internally generated funds.
Recognition
Mr. Korsah underscored the government’s broader development agenda for the municipality, referencing the commissioning of the rail line project by President Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo on November 22, 2024.
He affirmed the government’s dedication to improving urban management and service delivery, acknowledging the World Bank’s decades-long support in these endeavours.
Collaboration
The Minister urged stakeholders, including traditional leaders, municipal authorities, and community members, to collaborate in maintaining the newly commissioned facilities, and ensuring their long-term benefits. He emphasized that the government’s District Road Improvement Program (DRIP), supported by state-of-the-art earth-moving equipment, would continue to address road infrastructure challenges across the country.
Mr Korsah further expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo, the Regional Coordinating Councils, contractors, and other stakeholders for their roles in realizing the initiative. He assured the people of Lower Manya Krobo that the government remained committed to improving their living standards through strategic infrastructure investments.
About The Author
