Buah inspects 80% complete Esiama Market Complex in Ellembelle

The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, yesterday inspected the new Esiama Market Complex being constructed by MacWest Construction Limited. The project is about 80 per cent complete and is slated for handover in September 2026.

The project, which began in 2025, is being developed to address safety concerns after traders operated for years along the international highway linking Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Togo, a busy route where petrol tankers also pass daily.

According to the Ellembelle District Chief Executive (DCE), Joseph Agyekum, the market will help decongest the highway and reduce the risk of accidents.

He commended the Ghana National Gas Company, led by CEO Judith Adjobah Blay, for releasing funds from its statutory royalties to the Ellembelle District Assembly to support the construction of the market.

The new complex will feature 76 stores, a GPRTU station, a security post, sheds and other facilities aimed at improving trading conditions.

Speaking to the media at the construction site, Armah-Kofi Buah described Esiama as “the central hub of economic activities in the Ellembelle District.”

He said the market was critical to protecting lives and organising trade along the busy highway.

The Minister commended MacWest Construction Limited and its workers for the progress made so far and inspected the quality of work on site.

Buah assured traders of government’s commitment to meeting the project deadline.

He reiterated government’s commitment to delivering modern markets in mining-affected districts to improve livelihoods and protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.

The contractor assured the Minister that construction would be completed in September 2026.

“This is the first time we are seeing a Minister come here to check the work himself. Normally, politicians just promise and disappear. Hon. Buah and the DCE really care about our safety on this highway,” a food vendor said.

“Every day, we fear for traders selling by the roadside when petrol tankers pass. This new market with the GPRTU station will save lives. We thank Hon. Buah and DCE Joseph Agyekum for this historic visit,” a driver stated.

“We have been selling in the sun and dust for years. Now we can see real stores, sheds and a security post coming up. If contractors know the Minister will inspect, they will do quality work. This project is for us,” another trader said.

The facility will be handed over to the Ellembelle District Assembly for management upon completion in September 2026.