Key Takeaways
- Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi issues a formal warning to the contractor after progress falls below 1%.
- Less than one percent of the Kintampo North 24‑Hour Economy Market is completed despite months of work.
- A termination clause may be invoked if the contractor does not accelerate activity.
- The market is central to the government’s plan to extend commercial hours and create jobs in the region.
During a site inspection in Kintampo North, the Bono East Regional Minister expressed acute disappointment with the pace of construction on the 24‑Hour Economy Market. Visible on the ground were few materials and no substantive structures, prompting the minister to demand an immediate accounting of work completed.
The contractor’s estimate of under one percent progress triggered a warning that the contract could be cancelled, a stance echoed by the Municipal Chief Executive who described the effort as “snail‑paced.”
Project Background and Policy Context
The 24‑Hour Economy Market initiative forms part of Ghana’s broader economic diversification strategy, aiming to stimulate trade beyond conventional business hours. By establishing round‑the‑clock marketplaces, the government seeks to increase vendor revenues, attract informal traders, and reduce unemployment in underserved districts.
Since its announcement, several districts have embarked on similar constructions, with varying degrees of success. The policy’s effectiveness hinges on timely delivery, adequate infrastructure, and community engagement.
Current Performance and Accountability
On the Kintampo North site, the contractor’s output fell dramatically short of expectations. The minister’s inquiry revealed a completion rate of less than one percent, a figure that ranks as the poorest among regional counterparts. The lack of material stockpiles and unfinished foundations underscores systemic lapses in project management.
In response, the minister instructed the consultant to issue a formal warning letter, copying the Regional Coordinating Council. The letter will serve as a documented notice that failure to meet contractual milestones may result in termination, a provision embedded in the original agreement.
Economic and Social Implications
Local traders anticipate the market as a catalyst for increased foot traffic and extended sales windows. Delays jeopardize these expectations, leaving merchants without the promised platform and eroding confidence in public‑private partnerships.
Beyond individual livelihoods, the stalled project hampers the region’s contribution to national economic targets. The intended job creation and revenue generation remain unrealized, widening the gap between policy ambition and on‑the‑ground reality.
Looking Ahead
The contractor faces a narrow window to demonstrate tangible progress before the warning escalates to contract termination. Stakeholders, including the municipal administration and the Regional Coordinating Council, are poised to monitor compliance closely.
Should the contractor rectify the deficiencies, the market could resume its role in the regional development agenda. Conversely, a termination may prompt a re‑tendering process, extending the timeline for the community’s anticipated economic benefits.
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