Hon. Issaka Salia Salifu Commends Mary Antwi for Constructing Modern Market at Essumeja

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bekwai, Hon. Issaka Salia Salifu, has commended Mrs. Mary Antwi, a native of Essumeja, for her outstanding contribution to community development following the completion and commissioning of a 38-unit ultramodern market complex at Essumeja in the Ashanti Region.

The newly constructed market, which was built and fully funded by Mrs. Antwi, stands as one of the most significant development projects in the area in recent years. The facility was officially commissioned in collaboration with the Essumeja Traditional Council at a grand ceremony that brought together chiefs, assembly officials, traders, and residents.

The project, undertaken in honour of the late Opanin Kwame Ntim and Obaapanin Adwoa Fordjour, is expected to transform trading activities in Essumeja by providing a secure, hygienic, and well-organized environment for both traders and customers. It also aims to reduce congestion, stimulate economic activities, and create employment opportunities, especially for women and young people in the community.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Issaka Salia Salifu expressed deep admiration and appreciation for Mrs. Mary Antwi’s philanthropic spirit and dedication to her hometown’s progress. He noted that her self-financed project was a clear demonstration of patriotism, community leadership, and a shared vision for local development.

According to the MCE, the Essumeja market project reflects the government’s broader objective of enhancing local infrastructure and empowering communities through partnerships between the public and private sectors. He emphasized that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, the government is implementing the 24-hour economy initiative, which seeks to expand job creation and economic growth by enabling continuous business operations across key sectors.

He further revealed that the Bekwai Municipal Assembly has intensified efforts to align its development priorities with this national policy, including the rehabilitation of markets, road infrastructure, and sanitation systems to support round-the-clock commercial activities. “This new market in Essumeja perfectly fits into the 24-hour economy vision by providing a modern facility where businesses can thrive beyond conventional working hours,” Hon. Salifu stated.

The MCE also assured the chiefs and people of Essumeja of the Assembly’s continued commitment to supporting local development initiatives. He pledged that the Assembly would work closely with the Traditional Council to ensure the market’s sustainability, including effective management, security, and cleanliness.

In her speech, Mrs. Mary Antwi expressed gratitude to the Traditional Council, the MCE, and all stakeholders who supported the project. She explained that her motivation was to give back to the community that nurtured her and to honour the memory of her late parents, who were both passionate about unity and progress in Essumeja.

Mrs. Antwi noted that the market would not only enhance trading conditions but also open up new economic opportunities for residents. She urged the traders to take good care of the facility, maintain proper sanitation, and use the place responsibly to ensure it serves future generations.

The Essumeja Traditional Council, led by its chiefs and elders, lauded Mrs. Antwi for her benevolent act and praised the Bekwai Municipal Assembly for its continuous support towards the town’s development. They described the market as a monumental project that would redefine Essumeja’s economic landscape and attract investors and traders from surrounding communities.

The colourful ceremony witnessed traditional performances, drumming, and dancing as residents celebrated the commissioning of the project. Many traders expressed excitement and relief, saying the modern facility would bring comfort, safety, and dignity to their daily trading activities.

The completion of the 38-unit ultramodern market complex at Essumeja stands as a shining example of how individual initiative, traditional collaboration, and governmental support can come together to drive sustainable community transformation in the Bekwai Municipality.