Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction of the 24-hour market in the Ellembelle District, urging the contractor to sustain the momentum to ensure its timely completion.
The Minister made the remarks on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during a working visit to the Ellembelle District Assembly to inspect ongoing development projects and assess the implementation of government flagship programmes.
The 24-hour market, one of the flagship projects under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, is expected to provide modern trading facilities and stimulate commercial activities in the district.
Speaking after inspecting the project, Mr Nelson described the progress of work as impressive, considering the period within which the contractor commenced construction.
He commended the contractor and urged him to maintain the current pace to avoid delays that could undermine the project’s intended benefits.
The Minister was particularly pleased that the Assembly had been meeting its financial obligations to the contractor, noting that delayed payments often contribute to the slow progress or abandonment of development projects.
He said the availability of funds and the Assembly’s commitment to honouring payment certificates gave him confidence that the project would be completed without financial disruptions.
“Sometimes, work starts nicely like this, the progress is good, but at some point, the speed reduces and eventually the project halts. But I believe this one is not going to go along that route because the Assembly is fully in control of the resources that have to ensure its completion,” he said.
Mr Nelson emphasised that the market should not be viewed merely as a political commitment but as an important development intervention intended to improve the livelihoods of residents.
He said its completion would create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, strengthen local commerce and expand economic opportunities for the people.
The Regional Minister added that the Assembly, under the leadership of the District Chief Executive, must maintain close supervision to ensure the contractor delivers the project to the required standard and within the agreed timeframe.
Meanwhile, Ellembelle District Chief Executive Joseph Agyekum reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the project.
He disclosed that he regularly visits the construction site before reporting to the office to monitor the contractor’s activities and ensure work progresses as expected.
According to him, the 24-hour market is a major government commitment, requiring the Assembly to dedicate the necessary attention and resources to its completion.
The District Assembly Engineer, Eric Donkor, explained that the market would comprise three main sections: local shops, a commercial area and market stalls.
He said the facility would also have toilet facilities, a designated sanitary area, a fire service station and a kindergarten, alongside other supporting infrastructure.
Mr Donkor disclosed that although the project is expected to take approximately three years to complete, construction has already reached between 20 and 30 per cent.
He said work was progressing across all the sections simultaneously and indicated that the project was currently ahead of schedule.
On funding, the engineer revealed that the Assembly had so far paid GH¢2.8 million to the contractor, assuring that payment certificates submitted were being honoured to prevent financial constraints from affecting construction.
He added that the Assembly would continue to meet its payment obligations to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
When completed, the Ellembelle 24-hour market is expected to provide improved trading infrastructure, enhance commercial activities and contribute to the district’s economic development.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
