The District Chief Executive for Atwima Nwabiagya North in Ashanti Region, Mba Alenbilla Zachariah, has rejected claims that he directed the siting of a proposed 24-hour economy market in Asuofia.
He said this while speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi with Sir John, on Tuesday, January 20,2026 , in response to a protest by a group of Barekese residents and traders, on Monday, January 19,2026, who accused him of reneging on an earlier promise to relocate the market in the District capital, Barekese.
The Atwima Nwabiagya North DCE, described the allegations as unfounded and appealed for calm amid the rising tensions.
He explained that the selection of the market site followed strict, objective guidelines issued by the consultant.
“The decision to site 24-hour market in Asuofia was not influenced by my personal interest,” he said.
He outlined the consultant’s criteria that guided the process.
According to him, it required a land size of 2 to 4 acres, proximity to a town centre with good access to public transport, and availability of proper land documentation, including site plans.
“The Assembly did not choose the site at its own discretion; we followed the precise instructions from the consultant “, he added.
He stressed that, not every project automatically goes to the district capital.
On the allegations that he had promised Barekese the 24-hour market, he clarified that he never made such a comment. Moreover, the market came with instructions.
He emphasized the government’s decentralisation agenda and the need for equitable development across the district.
“We must decentralize projects to develop the entire district, not concentrate everything in one town. Spreading facilities across towns reduces congestion and ensures wider benefits,” he said.
The protesters described the decision as unfair, insisting that Barekese remains the most suitable location for the project due to the availability of vast tracts of land and its strategic importance as the administrative centre of the district.
The leader of the group who also contributed to the show, Nasiru malik, demanded what he described as equitable development of Barekese.
“We cannot allow the DCE to take development of Barekese for granted by relocating such an important project to Asuofia “, he said.
We are calling on president Mahama to intervene because Barekese also deserves its fair share of development.
By Benjamin Aidoo
