Offinso North DCE denies 24-hour market claims, cites ministry criteria

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Offinso North, Ceasar Ofosu Acheampong, has strongly rejected claims that he directed the siting of a proposed 24‑hour economy market in Nkenkansu because it is his hometown.

He spoke to the media in response to a recent press conference by a group of Akumadan residents who accused him of reneging on an earlier promise to locate the market in the district capital.

Acheampong described the allegations as unfounded and urged calm amid the rising tensions.

He explained that the selection of the market site followed strict, objective guidelines issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and communicated through the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in a letter dated August 12.



"The decision to site the 24‑hour market in Nkenkansu was not influenced by my personal interest," Acheampong said.

He outlined the RCC’s criteria that guided the process.

According to him, it required a land size of two to four 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 RCC," he added, stressing that not every project automatically goes to the district capital.

On the allegation that he had promised Akumadan the 24‑hour market, the DCE clarified that he never made such a commitment.

"The only promise I made was about relocating and expanding the existing Akumadan weekly market to a new site, not about siting the 24‑hour market in Akumadan," he said.

Acheampong also addressed accusations that his hometown connection influenced decisions: "If I am from Nkenkansu and, based on the stipulated criteria, the market should rightly be sited in Nkenkansu, what is my crime?" he asked, noting precedent that other projects have been sited according to criteria rather than personal ties.

The DCE emphasised the government’s decentralisation agenda and the need for equitable development across the district.

"We must decentralise projects to develop the entire district, not concentrate everything in one town. Spreading facilities across towns reduces congestion and ensures wider benefits. This is the essence of decentralisation and aligns with the President’s vision," he said.

Concluding his remarks, Ceasar Ofosu Acheampong appealed for unity and restraint.

"Let us work together for the progress of Offinso North. These divisions are unnecessary and hinder our collective development," he urged.