Complete Mamponteng Market to Boost Local Economy – Hon. Akwasi Gyamfi

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwabre East, Hon. Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong, has called on the government, through the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, to prioritize the completion of the Mamponteng Market.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Hon. Onyina-Acheampong emphasized that the market, the largest in the district, would significantly enhance the local economy and increase government revenue mobilization.

The Mamponteng Market project commenced in 2004 but has remained stalled for the past 12 years. According to the MP, the market is currently only 55% complete, and its prolonged abandonment has negatively impacted traders and the local economy.

“The Minister (Ahmed Ibrahim) assured me that the project is part of his plans, and now that I have raised it in Parliament, we will meet to discuss how to expedite its completion,” he stated.

He further highlighted the urgent need for the market’s completion, citing the poor conditions under which traders, especially women, currently operate. “Many women are trading under high-tension cables, which pose serious health risks. Although no official health assessment has been conducted, it is evident that these conditions are unsafe.”

***Hon Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong, MP Kwabre East***

Government Commitment and Budget Allocation

The Minister for Local Government, Hon Ahmed Ibrahim assured the MP that provisions have been made in the budget to ensure that stalled projects like the Mamponteng Market are completed.

As a result, Hon. Onyina-Acheampong expressed optimism that, given the project’s current status, it should not take long to finalize once funds are released.

“The market is 55% complete, and when construction initially started, it took less than a year to reach this stage. If the government is truly committed, the remaining 45% can be completed within a year,” he added.

Economic and Social Impact

The Mamponteng Market, when completed, will serve as a central trading hub for the district’s 46 major towns and communities.

The MP emphasized that the market’s strategic location in the district capital would attract traders from neighboruing areas, boost local commerce, and generate more revenue for the district assembly.

“The market complex includes stores, stalls, washrooms, parking spaces, and a lorry station. Currently, over 200 market women will benefit from the facility, and the ancillary services will also create additional economic opportunities,” he noted.

Hon. Onyina-Acheampong further explained that the initial contract sum for the project was GHS 3.7 million, but due to inflation and rising construction costs, an additional GHS 4 million is now required to complete it.

“With a population of nearly 300,000 and over 146,000 registered voters, Kwabre East is one of the largest constituencies in the Ashanti Region. Allocating GHS 4 million to complete such a vital market should not be a challenge,” he stressed.

Call to Action

Hon. Onyina-Acheampong appealed to the government to prioritize the market’s completion, especially in light of the recent International Women’s Day celebration.

“Our market women are suffering. They need a safe and conducive environment to trade. I urge the Minister and the government to intervene and ensure that this long-delayed project is finally completed,” he added.