The government has invested around GH5 million in improving the Adjen Kotoku Onion Market to make it more friendly to vendors.
The money was utilized to build shelters, pave the area, install lamps, and build washrooms and a mosque, according to Ga West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Clement Wilkinson.
A portion of the funds was also utilized to obtain an additional plot of land for the market’s growth.
This was disclosed by the MCE after an inspection trip of the market on March 27, 2022.
Only two shelters had been constructed at the market before the relocation, according to the MCE, “but now we have added 12 sheds, bringing it to a total of 14,” he said, adding that the relocation alone cost roughly GH1.5 million.
The purpose of the inspection was to evaluate ongoing initiatives and to learn firsthand about the issues that dealers face at the market.
In the course of the tour, it was discovered that the assembly had started work on a mosque at the market, which is expected to be finished in six months.
“We have done so much for this market, more than any other market in this municipality because we want to foster a peaceful environment for the vendors and the community’s residents.”
“We believe that we can generate between GH200,000 and GH300,000 each year, and we’ll utilize a portion of it to extend and sustain the project,” he explained.
He added that each day, roughly 50 truckloads of onion are unloaded at the market, attracting about 1,000 vendors from 18 villages throughout five regions of the nation and this has boosted the annual market value to roughly GH15 million
Mr Wilkinson said there is an ongoing construction of a mosque, washroom facility and it is expected to be completed in October this year. Also, there’s a connection of pipe-borne water to the market
“This demonstrates how important this initiative is, and the government is working to enhance it.” More projects are in the works, and the goal is to enhance the region’s economic position as well,” he added.