By:tntnewspaprgh.com

The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ahafo Ano South West constituency in the Ashanti Region, Mr Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah, has called for calm over disagreement on attempts by the District Assembly to construct a 24-hour economy market adjacent to existing classroom at Mankranso,the district and constituency capital.

According to him, as a representative of the good people of the area, he remains committed to defending the educational legacy of Ahafo Ano South.
“As your parliamentary representative, my oath is to serve the public good, protect resources, and advocate for the progress of our people. While I strongly advocate for local commerce and the empowerment of our market women, development must never come at the cost of erasing educational infrastructure!”
There’s therefore the urgent need for stakeholders to do the necessary consultations to help find a suitable alternative land for the 24-hour market.

Mr. Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah

Mr Dapaah, who’s affectionately called “Okumkom” as a result of his commitment to human empowerment and development comments, follows a viral video alleging moves by the Ahafo Ano South West Assembly’s plans to demolish an existing classroom block for the Mankranso 24-hour market.

The MP said. “I remain unyielding in my commitment to defending the educational legacy of Ahafo Ano South West. It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of outrage that I address the recent disturbing developments in Mankanso within our constituency.”

Mr Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah observed that The proposal to grade down a fully completed educational facility to pave the way for a 24-hour market situated adjacent to our District Hospital is a tragic misstep that threatens the soul and future of Ahafo Ano Southwest.

The MP emphasised that “as your Parliamentary Representative, my oath is to serve the public good, protect public resources, and advocate for the progress of our people. While I strongly advocate for local commerce and the empowerment of our market women, development must never come at the cost of erasing educational infrastructure.”

According to him, placing a bustling market right next to a hospital compromises healthcare delivery while tearing down a classroom robs the next generation of their right to learn. I call on all patriotic citizens, traditional authorities, local leaders, and state institutions to rise above partisan interest and halt this unnecessary destruction. Let us find suitable alternative land for our market without destroying what has already been built for our children,” he added.

Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of the area, Mr Abubukar Sadik, in a statement, has dismissed the claim in the video that an existing classroom block in Mankranso will be demolished to pave the way for the construction of a 24-hour economy market.

The DCE, however, admits that the said classroom block was constructed in 2022 but has remained unused.

Stressing that no one will demolish the school building to construct the 24-hour market, insisting that the two projects are separate. But what the DCE’s statement failed to address is sitting the market on the same premises or adjacent to the classroom block.