The traditional leaders during the media briefing
TRADITIONAL LEADERS and residents of Akumadan and Afrancho in the Offinso North District of the Ashanti Region have petitioned the Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, regarding the proposed siting of the flagship 24-Hour Economy Market at Nkenkaasu.
According to the traditional leaders, the Regional Minister must intervene in the recent decision by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Caesar Ofosu Acheampong, to site the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market at Nkenkaasu rather than at the Akumadan-Afrancho Urban Council.
A press statement issued by the traditional leaders and signed by Nana Kwaku Boateng, Akumadan Gyaasehene and Nana Apenteng Fosu Gyeabour, Afrancho Kyidomhene, indicated that the decision to relocate the market from the urban council to Nkenkaasu was taken without broad consultation with key stakeholders and without due consideration of critical socio-economic factors.
According to them, compared to Nkenkaasu, Akumadan and Afrancho, the twin town has, over the years, established itself as the commercial hub of the Offinso North District and its environs.
The town is a well-known trading centre with financial institutions such as GCB Bank, Fiagya, Offinso, and Akumadan Rural Banks, good transport networks, and an educational hub of the district with two senior high schools, one technical institute, and one proposed University for Local Government and Development.
In terms of health, the traditional leaders stated that the two towns have two CHPS compounds: Tanokwawm and Sraneso No 1, one clinic, three herbal clinics, one health centre, and one hospital. Besides, the council has yet to commission the District Health Insurance Office.
“Akumadan-Afrancho Urban Council has a total population size of 44,827, which is more than half of the entire population size of the district.
“In agriculture, we have an irrigation system to farm all year round, and we also have Greenhouse Farm Technology,” the statement read.
According to the traditional leaders, these attributes make the urban council more strategically suited to hosting the 24-Hour Economy Market that is intended to serve not only the district but also neighbouring districts like Tano South Municipal and Techiman South Municipal, as well as Bono East and Ahafo Regions, respectively.
They indicated that placing the market in Nkenkaasu, which currently lacks comparable commercial activity and population, may limit the market’s effectiveness and defeat the broader objectives of the 24-Hour Economy policy.
“Furthermore, the DCE (Hon. Caesar Ofosu Acheampong) has already promised Nananom and the urban council of this Market on two occasions, that is, during the commissioning of the Akumadan D/A ‘B’ School and Afrancho Weekly Market. We therefore plead with him to keep his promise,” the statement read.
The traditional leaders have therefore called on the Regional Minister to intervene in the matter as a neutral arbiter and also advise the District Chief Executive to reconsider and review the decision to keep his promise.
They further urged the Regional Minister to facilitate broader stakeholder consultations involving traditional authorities, traders’ associations, transport unions, and community leaders, as well as ensure that the final decision reflects fairness, equity, and the long-term economic interest of the Offinso North District.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke