I have followed with great concern the news of an allocation of over six million cedis for the construction of a 24-hour economy market in the Amansie Central District.
While I acknowledge that the idea behind a 24-hour economy is to boost productivity and stimulate economic activity, I strongly believe that this particular project is not a priority for our district and risks becoming a white elephant if allowed to proceed in its current form.
Let me be honest, the current market at the center of the district isn’t vibrant enough. It struggles to attract consistent patronage, and basic infrastructure is lacking. So how can we justify the construction of a completely new market with the expectation that it will thrive for 24 hours when the existing one hasn’t even reached a functional standard?
Personally, I would have preferred that the said allocation be used to refurbish the existing market. That would be a more prudent use of coolresources. We could then implement the 24-hour economy idea on a pilot basis, assess its viability, and expand from there if successful.
This way, we learn from practice, rather than investing millions in infrastructure that may never be fully utilized.
Beyond the issue of the market, I feel compelled to highlight the real challenges facing Amansie Central. We are battling with persistent deplorable roads, incomplete or absent electrification in many rural communities, and a glaring infrastructure deficit in the education sector.
There are countless schools with broken classrooms, some without proper roofing, desks, or even walls. In certain communities, children are forced to learn under trees or in temporary structures unfit for education in the 21st century.
These are the issues that demand urgent attention. These are the realities that we live with every day. In my honest opinion, these are the areas where six million cedis can make a real, measurable impact on the lives of the people of Amansie Central.
If the District Assembly goes ahead with the market construction without addressing these fundamental issues first, the project will likely end up abandoned, underutilized, or completely irrelevant to the immediate needs of the community.
And in the end, it is the taxpayer who suffers from such misplaced priorities.
I therefore respectfully plead with the President, the Ministry of Local Government, and all relevant authorities to reconsider and repurpose this allocation.
Let us focus on improving what already exists. Let us channel these funds into the areas that will benefit the majority roads, electricity, schools, and basic services. That is what we need. That is what will move Amansie Central forward.
This is not a call to reject development, but rather a passionate appeal to ensure development is done right and in the best interest of the people.
Best regards,
Yaw Obeng Fosu
(Concern citizen & journalist – Amansie Central) +233 240110768
THANK YOU!!!