Greater Accra Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Shai Osudoku in the Greater Accra Region, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has cut sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market in the constituency.

The sod-cutting ceremony, held at Dodowa on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, forms part of efforts to provide modern trading infrastructure and expand economic opportunities for residents of the Shai Osudoku District.

The project is expected to provide a structured trading environment for market women, farmers, artisans, food processors, young entrepreneurs and other small-scale businesses while supporting increased commercial activity in the district.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ocloo described the project as an important milestone in the development of Shai Osudoku and said it had the potential to create jobs, increase productivity and improve livelihoods.

She said the establishment of the market at the local level was a practical demonstration of the government's 24-hour economy agenda, which seeks to expand economic activity and create opportunities for businesses and individuals.

"The 24-hour economy is one of the priority programmes of government, aimed at expanding economic activity, creating jobs, increasing productivity and providing opportunities for businesses and individuals to improve their livelihoods,” she said.

Ocloo, who is also the MP for the constituency, placed particular emphasis on the potential impact of the project on women, noting that markets serve as workplaces and major sources of income for many women engaged in petty trading, food processing, agriculture and other small businesses.

She urged women, young people, traders and other prospective beneficiaries to use the facility to expand their businesses, create employment and contribute to the economic development of the constituency.

She also called on the contractor to ensure that residents of Shai Osudoku benefit from employment opportunities arising from the construction of the project.



The ceremony was attended by the District Chief Executive, District Coordinating Director, traditional leaders, Assembly members, heads of departments and agencies, private-sector representatives, traders, farmers, artisans and other stakeholders.

Part of national market programme

The Shai Osudoku project forms part of the government's 24-hour economy model market initiative, under which modern markets are being developed across the country's districts.

President John Dramani Mahama has said the model markets are intended to go beyond conventional trading spaces by incorporating facilities such as banking services, storage, security and fire protection, restaurants, crèches and health services.

The government has stated that the markets are intended to operate around the clock and stimulate economic activity in beneficiary communities.

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has also indicated that the model is expected to include modern stores and shops, warehousing and cold-storage facilities, digital payment systems, transport terminals, sanitation facilities and other social services.

Earlier concerns over Dodowa market site

The sod-cutting ceremony marks a further step towards the planned redevelopment of the market.

Ocloo said she expected the project to be completed on schedule and to the required standards, stressing that its ultimate purpose should be to improve livelihoods and promote the socio-economic development of Shai Osudoku.

She further expressed hope that the completed facility would become a major centre of commerce, employment and enterprise for the constituency and contribute to the wider economic development of the Greater Accra Region.