Kunka Market Set for Transformation into Model 24-Hour Economy Market
The Kunka Market, the second-largest market in the Obuasi Municipality, is set to undergo a major expansion and redevelopment into a Model One 24-Hour Economy Market, aimed at transforming commercial activities and creating a modern trading environment for residents.
The project, which is expected to significantly improve trading conditions within the municipality, will provide a range of facilities, including a police post, fire station, banking facility, lockable shops, daycare centre, and covered trading spaces.
The upgraded facility is expected to operate around the clock, providing traders and consumers with extended opportunities to conduct business while contributing to the municipality’s economic growth.
Speaking at a brief ceremony to officially hand over the project site to the contractor, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, disclosed that the project has a contract duration of eight months.
The project has been awarded to Memphis Metropolitan Limited, which is expected to commence construction following the official handover of the site.
The MCE expressed appreciation to the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and his government for the initiative, describing the project as an important intervention that would transform commercial activities in Obuasi.
She said the development of the market would not only provide improved facilities for traders but also contribute to the broader economic transformation of the municipality.
Madam Appiah Kannin assured traders who currently operate at the Kunka Market that they would be given priority in the allocation of spaces when the project is completed.
She therefore encouraged all existing traders to participate in the ongoing registration exercise to ensure that their details were properly captured for consideration during the allocation process.
The MCE further appealed to traders to remain calm and cooperate with the Assembly and Memphis Metropolitan Limited during the construction period, particularly in instances where construction activities might temporarily disrupt their normal trading activities.
“As your mother, I am going to ensure that all of you get what is due you,” she assured the traders.
She urged the traders to see the temporary inconveniences associated with the construction works as necessary sacrifices towards achieving a modern and sustainable market facility.
The Chairman of the ceremony and Chief of Kunka, Nana Kweku Pokor III, expressed gratitude to the government, the MCE and the Obuasi Municipal Assembly for selecting Kunka as the location for the project.
He described the project as an important development for the community and pledged the support of the traditional authority towards its successful implementation.
Nana Pokor III also called on residents and traders to cooperate with the Assembly and the contractor to ensure that the project was completed within the scheduled period.
As part of the ceremony, the project consultant presented the architectural design of the proposed market through the Information Services Department (ISD) Information Van’s giant screen.
The presentation provided stakeholders with a visual impression of the completed facility and explained the various components incorporated into the design.
Following the presentation, two copies of the architectural documentation were formally presented to the MCE, Madam Appiah Kannin, who subsequently handed over one copy to Memphis Metropolitan Limited, the contractor, to guide the implementation of the project.
The design is expected to provide a more organised trading environment while incorporating essential safety, security and social facilities required for a modern market.
The ceremony was attended by the Presiding Member of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, David Mensah Odoom, the Municipal Coordinating Director, Madam Joyce Akosua Angmorteh, members of the Assembly’s management team, traditional leaders, market women, representatives of the media, and other stakeholders.
The transformation of Kunka Market forms part of broader efforts to improve commercial infrastructure and create an enabling environment for businesses within the Obuasi Municipality.
Upon completion, the Model One 24-Hour Economy Market is expected to provide improved trading facilities, enhance security, support local businesses, and strengthen Obuasi’s position as a commercial centre in the Ashanti Region.
Ernest Kofi Offen
ISD, Obuasi
