The Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, has officially signed the groundbreaking 24-Hour Economy Market contracts with all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across the 11 Municipal and District Assemblies in the region. The signing ceremony took place on April 27, 2026, in Wa, marking a significant step toward transforming the region’s market landscape.

As part of this initiative, the Wa West District is set to develop the Ponyentanga 24-Hour Economy Market, a project expected to boost local commerce and enhance economic activity in the area. However, the project has raised concerns among residents, particularly regarding the demolition of 13 houses in Ponyentanga. These homes are slated for removal to facilitate the market’s construction, raising fears of potential homelessness among affected residents.

Hon. Benedict Ziem Fada, the Assemblyman for Ponyentanga, acknowledged the concerns but assured that the Regional Minister’s intervention has helped address the issues. He stated that affected residents have been engaged and assured they can remain in their homes until appropriate compensation and alternative accommodation arrangements are finalized.

Construction activities are set to continue in other parts of the project area while discussions with residents are ongoing. The Assemblyman also revealed that a temporary relocation plan is in progress, with negotiations underway with the Wa West Education Directorate to allow traders to operate from the Ponyentanga Kindergarten premises on market days.

He urged traders and residents to continue patronizing the existing Ponyentanga market as usual, emphasizing that efforts are underway to ensure a smooth transition. Hon. Fada expressed gratitude to the Wa West District Assembly for selecting Ponyentanga as a beneficiary of the 24-Hour Economy Market project, highlighting the potential for the facility to significantly contribute to the district’s development and economic growth.

Source: Info Radio