KMA Boss Joins Queen Mother, Assembly Member to Officially Hand Over Parcel of Land to Private Developer for Ultra-Modern Sokoban Market

The Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, together with the Queen Mother, the Assembly Member, and opinion leaders of Sokoban, has officially handed over a parcel of land to a private developer for the construction of an ultra-modern market to serve market women and traders in the area.

The land handover ceremony, held at Sokoban, marked a major milestone in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) efforts to modernise market infrastructure and improve the livelihoods of traders across the metropolis. The event attracted traditional authorities, market women, community members, and stakeholders who have long anticipated the project.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi described the project as a fulfilment of the Assembly’s commitment to provide decent and organised trading spaces for traders, particularly market women who form the backbone of the local economy. He explained that the ultra-modern market, when completed, will help decongest trading areas, improve sanitation, enhance safety, and promote orderly commercial activities in Sokoban.

“This project is not just about putting up a structure; it is about restoring dignity to our market women and creating an environment where business can thrive. We are confident that this ultra-modern market will transform Sokoban into a vibrant commercial centre,” the MCE stated. He assured the community that the Assembly will closely supervise the contractor to ensure quality work and timely completion.

The Queen Mother of Sokoban, speaking on behalf of the traditional authority, expressed gratitude to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly for involving the stool and the community in the development process. She noted that market women have endured years of hardship due to the lack of a proper market facility and described the project as a blessing to the community.

“Our mothers have suffered for a long time, trading under difficult conditions. Today marks the beginning of relief for them. We pray that the contractor works diligently and that the market is completed on time for the benefit of our people,” she said, while offering prayers for the leadership of the Assembly and the success of the project.

The Assembly Member for the area also welcomed the initiative, stating that the market project has been one of the key demands raised by residents over the years. He commended the MCE for responding to the needs of the people and assured the community of his continued collaboration with the Assembly and traditional leaders to ensure the project’s successful completion.

“This is a proud day for Sokoban. I urge the contractor to see this project as a responsibility to the people and not just a contract. The community is ready to support this development in every possible way,” the Assembly Member stated.

Market women present at the ceremony could not hide their excitement as they expressed heartfelt appreciation to the KMA boss and all stakeholders involved. Some of them described the announcement as a dream come true, noting that they have endured congestion, exposure to harsh weather, poor sanitation, and insecurity for many years.

“We thank the Kumasi Mayor and our leaders for listening to our cries. We are only praying that the market will be completed on time so we can trade in a clean and safe environment,” one of the market women said, amid applause from her colleagues.

The contractor, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Sokoban community for the confidence reposed in his company. He assured the Assembly and traders that the project would be executed according to specifications and within the agreed timeline.

“We understand the importance of this market to the people of Sokoban. We are committed to delivering a quality, durable, and modern facility that will serve the community for generations,” the contractor assured.

When completed, the ultra-modern Sokoban market is expected to significantly ease the burden on traders and sellers, enhance commercial activities, improve sanitation and safety standards, and contribute to local economic development. The project aligns with the KMA’s broader agenda of sustainable urban development and its vision of making Kumasi a modern and competitive commercial hub in the Ashanti Region.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has reiterated its commitment to working closely with traditional authorities, assembly members, community leaders, and private developers to deliver development projects that have lasting positive impacts on the lives of residents.