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By Samuel Asamoah
The construction of a modern 24-hour economy market at Dodowa in the Shai-Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region has officially begun following a sod-cutting ceremony.
Greater Accra Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Shai-Osudoku, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, cut the sod for the project, which is expected to provide a structured trading environment and expand commercial opportunities for residents.
The project is being undertaken by PC Precise Consolidation Limited, which has been given 30 months to complete the facility.
The market is expected to serve market women, farmers, artisans, food processors, young entrepreneurs and other small and medium-scale businesses operating within the district.
Addressing stakeholders at the ceremony, Mrs Ocloo said the project was part of efforts to translate the government’s 24-hour economy policy into practical economic opportunities at the local level.
She said a modern market operating beyond conventional trading hours could help increase economic activity, create jobs and improve livelihoods within the district.
The Regional Minister also highlighted the importance of modern markets to women, particularly those engaged in petty trading, food processing, agriculture and other small businesses.
She urged prospective beneficiaries to use the facility to expand their businesses and contribute to the economic development of the area.
Mrs Ocloo further appealed to the contractor to give priority to residents of the Shai-Osudoku District in the recruitment of workers during construction, saying the project should generate employment opportunities for local people.
DCE pledges monitoring
The District Chief Executive for Shai-Osudoku, Hon. Ignatius Godfred Dordoe, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the project and its potential contribution to the development of the district.
He said the Assembly would closely monitor the construction process and keep an eye on the project to ensure that it was properly executed and delivered according to the agreed specifications.
Hon. Dordoe said the Assembly would work with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the 30-month construction period was respected and that the people ultimately received a quality facility capable of supporting economic activity in the district.
The Shai-Osudoku District Assembly’s official website currently identifies Hon. Ignatius Godfred Dordoe as the District Chief Executive, a position also confirmed in recent 2026 reports.
Market women, traditional authorities welcome project
Market women who attended the ceremony, led by their Queen Mother, expressed joy over the commencement of the project and said they were hopeful that the facility would be completed within the scheduled period.
They welcomed the prospect of having a modern market that could provide a better and more organised environment for trading and improve opportunities for businesses in Dodowa.
Traditional authorities present at the ceremony also shared in the excitement, expressing optimism that the project would be completed on schedule and contribute to the socio-economic development of the area.
The ceremony brought together the District Chief Executive, District Coordinating Director, traditional leaders, Assembly members, heads of departments, private-sector representatives, traders, farmers, artisans and other stakeholders.
Part of 24-hour economy programme
The development forms part of the government’s broader programme to establish modern 24-hour economy markets across the country.
President John Dramani Mahama has previously said the model markets are intended to operate around the clock and provide complementary facilities such as banking services, storage, fire and security protection, restaurants, crèches and clinics.
The national programme is intended to strengthen economic activity, create employment and provide improved market access for producers and traders.
For residents and businesses in Shai-Osudoku, attention will now turn to the construction phase, with PC Precise Consolidation Limited expected to deliver the project within 30 months.
The Assembly’s monitoring role will also be crucial in ensuring that construction progresses according to schedule and that the completed facility meets the expectations of traders, traditional authorities and residents of the district.
