Bono East Minister threatens to terminate Nkoranza 24-Hour Market contract

Correspondence from the Bono East Region

The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, has threatened to terminate the contract for the construction of the 24-hour market in the Nkoranza Municipality if the contractor fails to demonstrate significant progress on the project.

Francis Owusu Antwi issued the stern warning after it emerged that the contractor is still at the sub-structure stage, representing just 5% of the expected 25% of the project during day 2 of his project inspection tour.

The Minister, who was not happy, expressed concern about the pace of work and stressed the need to complete the project within the agreed timeframe to serve its intended purpose.

“I am not happy at all with what I am seeing…This is the government’s most important policy; it cannot afford to fail. The contractor has done just 5% of the work against an expected 25% per the contract duration. It is unacceptable.”

He said the government attached significant importance to developing modern market infrastructure as part of efforts to improve trading activities, create economic opportunities, and enhance residents' livelihoods.

According to him, prolonged delays in executing the project would not be tolerated, particularly since the facility is expected to provide a safer and more organised trading environment for residents and businesses in the Nkoranza Municipality.

He therefore warned the contractor to step up work and ensure the project progresses as expected, adding that failure to meet the required standards and timelines could result in termination of the contract.

The Minister said the Regional Coordinating Council would continue to monitor the project and take the necessary steps to ensure that public projects in the region were delivered in accordance with their contractual obligations.

He urged the contractor to take the warning seriously and demonstrate commitment towards completing the market project for the benefit of the people of Nkoranza.

The Minister's warning is part of regional authorities' efforts to ensure development projects are executed efficiently and deliver value to residents.

The Nkoranza 24-hour market is expected to expand commercial activities in the area and provide traders with improved facilities for their businesses.