Nkwanta North Leads Ghana’s 24-Hour Market Project as Kpassa Construction Surpasses Target

By: Christian Ahodie 

The Nkwanta North District has emerged as the leading district in the implementation of Ghana’s flagship 24-Hour Market Project, with construction at Kpassa progressing ahead of schedule and positioning the district as one of Ghana’s fastest-growing commercial and agricultural trading hubs.

For decades, Kpassa has served as one of the busiest market centres in the Oti Region, attracting traders from across northern Ghana, as well as neighbouring Togo and Burkina Faso. However, despite its importance to regional trade and food distribution, the market has operated under difficult conditions, including inadequate sheds, makeshift kiosks, poor drainage, and muddy trading grounds during the rainy season.
The new 24-Hour Market Project is expected to change that story completely, transforming Kpassa into a modern business city capable of supporting trade around the clock while opening new opportunities for farmers, traders, transport operators, investors, and young people.
The project, a flagship initiative under President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy, is already creating employment for local youth, with dozens working on the construction site. When completed, it is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while strengthening cross-border trade and increasing the Nkwanta North District Assembly’s internally generated revenue.

According to project officials, the contractor was expected to achieve about 20 percent completion by November. However, work has already reached between 20 and 30 percent, placing the project ahead of schedule and demonstrating the contractor’s commitment to timely delivery.
During an inspection visit, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Kujo Dodde Isaiah, praised the quality and pace of construction and expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the scheduled 36 months. He appealed to residents to support the contractor to ensure the successful completion of the transformational project.
The modern market will feature lockable stores, trading stalls, restaurants, chop bars, banking facilities including a Women’s Development Bank, a police station, a health centre, a fire service post, immigration offices and other public services designed to support a vibrant 24-hour commercial economy.
Residents believe the project will eliminate the long-standing challenges of congestion, poor sanitation, flooding and muddy conditions that have affected trading activities for years, especially during the rainy season.
Beyond improving the business environment, the market is expected to give Kpassa a new image, attract investors, expand cross-border commerce and strengthen the district’s position as one of Ghana’s leading agricultural and commercial centres.
Stakeholders are also calling for proper maintenance, effective management, strong security, regular sanitation and continuous government support after completion to ensure the facility delivers lasting economic benefits for generations to come.