New market for Dakpa

A modern market with a 40-room two-storey shopping centre, has taken off at Ave-Dakpa, the capital of Akatsi-North District.

The market project which has a car-park is being undertaken by the Assembly, to replace the old one opened in 1942.

Mr. James Gunu, District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, at the sod-cutting ceremony at Ave-Dakpa, described the project as a significant move which would give Dakpa a befitting status as a district capital.

He said such facilities were needed quickly to “spark socio-economic growth, create employment and incomes, reduce poverty, and place the young and deprived district on a sound footing.”

He bemoaned the delayed start of the project, because of opposition by some traders and others to give way for it, despite their initial support.

The DCE said a urinal, a two-room warehouse, requested by the traders to house their left- over wares, and an adjoining revenue office, had already been built at GHC42,000 by the Assembly at the market.

He announced that priority will be given to displaced store owners when the project, being done by Unimensil Limited, was completed.

Mr. Gunu said canopies had been mobilized as temporal sheds for the traders at another spot until the 18-month project was completed.

Togbi Bina Lawluvi the fifth, paramount chief of Ziope Traditional Area, and Council of State Member, who officially cut the sod, said every development project could temporally bring discomfort to some people, which must not stifle progress.

He observed that internal revenue mobilization must be supported by all to supplement the Assemblies’ Common Fund, which was inadequate. He said government was gradually fulfilling its promises.

Mr. Patrick Ahiabu, Ave-Dakpa Assembly Member and Presiding Member of the Assembly said the project was long overdue.