Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central Constituency, Ebenezer Nii Narh Nartey has cut sod for the redevelopment of the Sabon Zongo Market as part of the constituency’s allocation of US$1million for each constituency.
The project, which is being funded by Coastal Development Authority (CODA) under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), when completed will transform the dilapidated structure into an ultramodern trading facility. The new market, which is expected to be completed in three months, will significantly empower families by boosting the economic lives of residents, most of whom are petty traders.
Present at the colourful event were the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CODA, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib; Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, Mariama Karley Amui; Nii Abossey Okai III, Chief of Abossey Okai; Chief of Zongo, Alhaji Yahya Hamisu Baako, traders and members of the Sabon Zongo community.
Mariama Karley Amui indicated that construction of the new market was incontestable proof of the commitment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure that Zongo communities are properly developed as promised by him.
She further indicated that improvement of the dilapidated market has been long overdue, a situation that has compelled some traders to move to other places in the area to sell their wares. She called on leaders and members of Sabon Zongo community to give the contractor all the needed support during construction.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Sabon Zongo, the General Secretary of Mallam Baako Family, Seidu Musa Baako stated that construction of the market was a dream come true.
He thanked President Akufo-Addo for prioritising the welfare of residents of Sabon Zongo. He further thanked the President for the establishment of CODA and the Ministry of Inner Cities and Zongo Development, adding that the two entities have made a dramatic transformation in the lives. He called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the contractor.
MP of the area, Ebenezer Nii Narh, pointed out that construction of the market was in fulfilment of a promise made by the President to give Sabon Zongo a modern market. According to him, for a long time the market received no attention, emphasizing that the current structure was put up in the era of the Late C. S Crabbe and Okuley Nortey, both former MPs.
Mr. Narh assured that ongoing construction of roads in the constituency will continue from where it paused. He stated that, priority will be given to current occupiers in the allocation of stalls when the market is completed.
Chief Executive Officer of CODA Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib described Ebenezer Narh as a hardworking MP gifted with persistent lobbying skills. He stated that, in line with the local content policy of CODA, the contractor will be required to recruit artisans and labourers for the project from the constituency.
He also informed that CODA has approved funding for the construction of an ultramodern market at Sukura, a neighbouring community in the constituency. He referred to the Free SHS initiative of this government as one of the most impacting initiatives and urged all residents to take advantage of it since education is the ultimate equalizer.
