The government has halted plans to construct a 24-hour model market at Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South West Constituency following concerns over the suitability of the proposed location.
The development came after a video circulated on social media in which the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Officer for the Ahafo Ano South West Constituency, Baabi Dehye Kwaku, raised concerns about the proposed construction.
According to Baabi Dehye Kwaku, an existing classroom block was at risk of being demolished to make way for the proposed 24-hour model market.
Baabi Dehye Kwaku
His concerns have since triggered attention from the authorities, with the matter being brought before the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC).
Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Xoese Dogbe, subsequently disclosed that Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene had intervened and directed that all processes relating to the construction of the market at the disputed location be stopped.
Dogbe explained that the decision to use the particular piece of land for the market was not an official government decision.
Dr.Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister and Abubukar Sadik, DCE
He said once the proposed development was brought to the attention of the RCC, the Regional Minister immediately instructed that the process be halted.
The Deputy Chief of Staff further explained that the proposed location had been considered because the community currently does not have another available parcel of land suitable for the construction of the model market.
However, authorities have now directed the community to identify another suitable location before the project can proceed.
This means the government has not abandoned the 24-hour model market project at Mankranso. Rather, the proposed site near the school has been put on hold while efforts are made to find a more appropriate location.
The development is expected to ease concerns surrounding the possible impact of the project on the school and its existing infrastructure.
The intervention also highlights the importance of identifying suitable locations for major community projects, particularly where such developments could affect educational facilities.
Authorities are therefore expected to work with the community to secure an alternative piece of land that can accommodate the 24-hour model market without putting existing school infrastructure at risk.
The Mankranso project will now remain on hold until a new and suitable location is identified and the necessary processes are undertaken.
Meanwhile, Dr.Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister took to his Facebook page to comment on the issue. The Minister’s statement is also reproduced below;
My attention has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media about alleged plans to demolish a school facility in the Ahafo Ano South West District to build a 24-hour market.
In response, I directed the District Assembly to immediately halt all related activities. I have also summoned the relevant stakeholders to my office for a full review of the matter.
I wish to assure the general public that the school has not been demolished and will not be demolished.
I therefore urge all citizens to remain calm and disregard any claims or speculation until the review is completed and the facts are clearly established.
As Regional Minister, my priority remains protecting the school and ensuring the orderly implementation of development projects in the region.
Also, the market will not be built close to the school.
The initial plan of the assembly was to incorporate the school into the market complex, allowing market women to conveniently send their children to school while trading.
However, the 24-Hour Economy Market already has provisions for a school. There is, therefore, no need to construct another facility so close to the existing school in an attempt to incorporate it into the market.
Dr Frank Amoakohene
Ashanti Regional Minister
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