The Kassena-Nankana West District Chief Executive, Stephen Aeke Akurugu, says Nania was selected for the government’s 24-Hour Economy Market because of its proximity to the Ghana-Burkina Faso border and the commercial activity generated by trucks, traders and travellers using the international corridor.
Construction of the market has begun at Nania, also known as Gonania, with the DCE describing the area as one of the district’s most strategically positioned locations for commercial activity.
Speaking in an interview on Bolga FM, Mr. Akurugu said the project is being constructed on land that had previously been earmarked for a market but was later abandoned.
He said old and weakened structures left at the site have been demolished to make way for the new development.
“We pulled down the old and weak structures and decided to use the same land for the 24-Hour Economy Market because it is the right place for business activities,” Mr. Akurugu said.
According to the DCE, hundreds of long-distance trucks and fuel tankers pass through Nania daily because of its proximity to the Ghana-Burkina Faso border, creating potential demand for commercial services around the clock.
The market, he said, is expected to serve traders, transport operators, tanker drivers, travellers and other people using the international corridor.
Mr. Akurugu argued that the success of markets constructed under the 24-Hour Economy initiative would depend partly on locating them in areas where significant economic activity already exists.
“A 24-hour market will only succeed where economic activities are already vibrant. You don’t build it in a place where business is down and expect people to come simply because it is called a 24-hour market,” he said.
He said the District Assembly worked with its technical team to assess potential locations before settling on Nania because of its economic potential.
The DCE said the market is expected to include trading facilities, warehouses, cold stores, restaurants, parking spaces, a police post, a fire station and other services intended to support round-the-clock commercial activity.
He commended the contractor, Sunlu Ghana Limited, for the progress made since construction began and urged the company to maintain the required standards throughout the project.
Mr. Akurugu said the contract provides for a construction period of about 36 months, although the facility could be completed earlier if work progresses ahead of schedule.
He appealed to residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with the contractor to ensure the project is completed successfully.
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