By: Linus Siaw Nartey

The Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA), in collaboration with private partners Nat Uprising Company Limited and Akyemfour and Sons Constructions, on Wednesday officially commissioned the ultramodern Nii Annan Adjor Market.

The project, which is an initiative of the assembly, is intended to regenerate the old Ashaiman Kufuor Station, also known as Nii Annan Adjor Market, into a modern market complex to provide a serene environment for business activities.

The newly built edifice, which began in 2021 under the auspices of former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ashaiman, Albert Okyere, has over 700 stores, washrooms, banking halls, lorry parks, and others.

Speaking at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ashaiman, Hon. Freeman Tsekpo, said it was part of the assembly’s programme to regenerate the old Ashaiman Kufuor Station into a modern market complex to provide a serene environment for business activities.

According to him, it was prudent for the assembly to undertake a decongestion exercise on all unauthorised spaces so the traders come settle at their new market centre and transact business.

He added that, with the growing population of Ashaiman, plans are underway to ensure all three markets within his municipality will be transformed into ultra-modern purposes.

Mrs Rebecca Mensah, a representative for the traders, thanked the Assembly for keeping up to their promise and assured them the place will be put to good use while ensuring cleanliness and maintenance.

She urged all traders by the roadside to move into the new market, which has enough spaces to accommodate them.

On the issue of safety, the Tema Regional Fire Officer, ACFO II Patrick Salah, tasked all users of the facility to avoid open fire and also switch off all electronic devices when not in use.

He lauded the Assembly for providing all the equipment needed to combat fire problems.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ashaiman, Hon. Ernest Henry Norgbey, used the opportunity to thank President John Mahama for his support for the project under the 24-hour economy policy.

Hon. Norgbey tasked the traders to eschew orderliness in the market while applauding the former MCE for his significant contributions.

He pleaded with the constituents to comply with the decongestion exercise ongoing in Ashaiman, as the affected traders will be relocated to continue their operations.

Nii Annan Adjor, the Regent of Ashaiman, pleaded with the Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, to ensure Ashaiman gets its share of development projects.

Nii added that the regional minister, through the government, should set up companies in Ashaiman to curb the demanding rate of unemployment among the increasing population.

The special guest for the event, Honourable Linda Akweley Ocloo, assured that concerns raised will be delivered to the President and promised that Ashaiman, as one of the strongholds for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), won’t be left out of President Mahama’s resetting agenda.

She concluded by urging everyone to cultivate the spirit of maintenance and support the current administration to deliver on their mandate.

The event was graced by Islamic scholars, pastors, party executives of the NDC, and members of the NDC and NPP.