The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and MP for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has cut the sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market centre at Aiyinasi in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.

The project, estimated at GH₵32 million, is being executed by MacWest Construction Limited on behalf of the Ellembelle District Assembly. It forms part of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative to extend trading hours, create jobs, and boost local commerce.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Armah-Kofi Buah said the facility would serve traders and residents with a secure, well-lit space for round-the-clock activity.

He charged the contractor to engage locals in the construction works and noted that the initiative is designed to reduce youth unemployment and increase incomes for small and medium-scale traders.

“This is about creating opportunities that don’t stop when the sun sets,” he said. “The 24-hour economy is a practical way to unlock the potential of our markets and keep money circulating in our communities.”

The MP also announced that under the One Million Coders programme, the government would train 50 youths in various programmes at Aiyinasi.

He added that a palmnut factory would be established in the district to create employment and boost the local economy.

He commended the DCE, Joseph Agyekum, for securing GH₵11 million for Ellembelle after the assembly was named one of the best in the Western Region.

The funds, he said, would be used to establish a district hospital at Nkroful, the hometown of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

The modern market will include a police station, fire service station, gym centre, KG, supermarket, stores, car station, clinic, restaurant, and a branch of the Women’s Bank, among other facilities.

Construction work is expected to commence on June 1, 2026.

The District Chief Executive for the area, Joseph Agyekum, thanked the chiefs and elders of Aiyinasi for releasing land for the market and appealed to residents to support the contractor to complete the work on schedule.

The Divisional Chief of Aiyinasi, Nana Etwe Kpanyinli VI, commended the MP and DCE for the project and thanked President John Mahama for fulfilling his campaign promise.

“In 2016, 2020, and 2024, President Mahama came to Aiyinasi and promised us a modern market. Today he has fulfilled that promise,” Nana Etwe Kpanyinli VI said.

He said it was time for Aiyinasi to replace its over 60-year-old market with a modern facility and assured the MP of his support.

Local leaders and Assembly Members present welcomed the project, describing it as a timely intervention for Aiyinasi, which serves as a commercial hub for parts of the Ellembelle District.

The Assembly Members pledged their full commitment to support the contractor in completing the project on schedule.

The 24-hour economy policy is one of the government’s flagship programmes for 2025–2026, targeting urban and peri-urban markets nationwide to drive productivity and reduce youth migration from rural areas.