The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has issued a stern warning to contractors and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) overseeing the government’s 24-hour economy market projects across the Central Region to ensure the timely and quality completion of all ongoing works.
According to the Minister, the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative is expected to transform local economies, expand business opportunities, create jobs and improve the living conditions of citizens, stressing that the success of the programme largely depends on the proper execution of the infrastructure projects tied to it.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the 24-hour economy market project site in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Hon. Eduamoah cautioned contractors against delays, substandard work and project abandonment.
He emphasized that the Central Region cannot afford to have incomplete market structures that fail to serve the people for whom they are intended.
“I do not want any uncompleted structures like some of the E-Block projects we witnessed in the past. If we are constructing these markets, they must be completed and operational for the benefit of the people,” the Minister stressed.
Drawing comparisons with some Community Day Senior High School projects, popularly known as E-Blocks, initiated under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, Hon. Eduamoah said lessons must be learnt from past experiences where certain projects were left unfinished while others were completed.
He therefore urged contractors to demonstrate professionalism, competence and commitment throughout the construction period.
The Minister further assured residents that he would personally monitor the projects regularly to ensure contractors adhere strictly to timelines, quality standards and project specifications.
He also tasked all MMDCEs in the Central Region to take active supervisory roles over the projects within their jurisdictions.
According to him, district chief executives must not remain passive observers but should frequently inspect the sites, assess the progress of work and promptly report any challenges likely to delay completion.
Hon. Eduamoah noted that government remains committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the 24-hour economy programme, which he described as a major intervention aimed at stimulating economic growth and empowering local communities.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira East Constituency, Hon. Lawyer Emelia Ankomah, commended President John Dramani Mahama and the government for introducing the 24-hour economy policy.
She described the initiative as a transformative programme capable of boosting local economic activities, supporting businesses and creating sustainable employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians, particularly the youth.
Hon. Ankomah expressed optimism that the market project, upon completion, would significantly improve commercial activities within the municipality and positively impact the socio-economic livelihoods of residents.
She further called on members of the community to support the project and protect the facility when completed to ensure its long-term sustainability and benefits.
The inspection tour formed part of efforts by government officials to assess the progress of ongoing 24-hour economy market infrastructure projects across the Central Region.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
