Market women in Barekese, in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region, have cautioned the District Chief Executive (DCE), Emba Zakaria, against relocating the proposed 24-hour economy market to Asamang.
According to the traders, Barekese as the district capital remains the most suitable location for the project, noting that the market has the potential to significantly boost the local economy and improve trading activities in the area.
The women, who currently operate under difficult and inadequate market conditions, believe the new market will help resolve many of their challenges and enhance their livelihoods.
The 24-hour economy market forms part of the government’s broader initiative aimed at stimulating economic growth and promoting women’s empowerment across the country. The project is expected to create employment opportunities, improve safety for night traders, and strengthen local value chains, particularly with access to affordable financing and reliable electricity.
Speaking to the media, some of the traders insisted that the project must remain in Barekese.
“The 24-hour economy market is not going anywhere apart from Barekese,” they stressed, urging the DCE to prioritise the needs of the local trading community.
Meanwhile, some youth leaders in the area have also expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed relocation. They questioned why the assembly would consider moving the project to another community after market women had already vacated the old market site in anticipation of the new development.
The traders and youth leaders are calling on the district assembly to provide clear explanations and reconsider any plans to relocate the market from Barekese.
