The people of Essumegya in the Bekwai municipality of Ghana‘s Ashanti region have welcomed a significant enhancement to their local economy following the inauguration of a 38-unit ultramodern market complex.
The facility, constructed through the generosity of Mrs Mary Antwi, a distinguished daughter of the community, promises to modernise trading activities and create new opportunities for youth and women in the area.
The inauguration ceremony drew a large gathering of traditional leaders, government officials, traders, and residents, and was jointly performed by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Bekwai, Mr Issaka Salia Salifu, and the Essumegya traditional council.
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The new market, built in honour of the late Opanin Kwame Ntim and Obaapanin Adwoa Fordjour, is designed to decongest existing trading areas and provide traders with a safe, clean, and secure environment for their daily operations, complete with modern lockable stores.
Mrs Antwi, speaking at the ceremony, said her motivation stemmed from a desire to give back to her hometown while honouring her late parents’ legacy of community growth and unity.
She described the market as more than just a structure, calling it “an investment in the future of Essumegya’s economy” and urged traders to utilise the facility to grow their businesses, create jobs, and improve living standards.
She further encouraged residents to continue supporting initiatives that foster self-reliance and social progress.
Mr Salifu lauded Mrs Antwi’s commitment to community development, highlighting her contribution as a model of how private citizens can partner with government to drive local economic growth.
He noted that the project aligns with the government’s 24-hour economy initiative under President John Dramani Mahama, which seeks to expand employment opportunities and productive activities throughout the day.
The MCE assured residents that the Bekwai Municipal Assembly would continue to collaborate with traditional leaders and local investors on projects that improve livelihoods and living standards, while urging traders to maintain proper sanitation and protect the facility from deterioration.
Representatives of the Essumegya traditional council expressed deep gratitude to Mrs Antwi, describing the market as transformative for local trading and capable of attracting more visitors and business opportunities to the town.
The colourful commissioning ceremony included traditional drumming, cultural displays, and customary rites to bless the facility, reflecting the community’s pride and excitement.
With the launch of the 38-unit market complex, Essumegya is poised to enter a new era of commercial vibrancy, demonstrating how visionary leadership, traditional cooperation, and individual philanthropy can collectively transform communities in the Bekwai Municipality.
