Kunka Market Set for Major Facelift Under 24-Hour Economy Project

The Kunka Market in Obuasi is expected to witness a massive redevelopment as part of efforts by the government to modernise key trading centres nationwide. Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi, Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kannin, made this known during a well-attended Town Hall Meeting organised by the Assembly on Tuesday.

According to the MCE, the facelift forms part of the Government’s 24-Hour Economy Markets Project, which seeks to transform local markets into vibrant commercial hubs. She said a team of assessors had already visited the market and given positive reviews, paving the way for construction works to begin soon.

Hon. Faustilove assured residents that the new Kunka Market would be a modern, well-structured facility befitting Obuasi’s growing status. She also urged traders who have deserted their shops and sheds to return as the redevelopment process takes off.

Key Projects Planned for 2026

The MCE used the platform to outline major projects the Assembly intends to roll out next year. These include infrastructural upgrades in basic schools, particularly the provision of potable water and decent sanitation facilities to improve the learning environment.

Municipal Budget Officer, Madam Edna Vivian Arkoh, explained the financial arrangements for the 2026 projects. She said the Assembly will rely on five key revenue sources—Internally Generated Funds (IGF), District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), District Development Fund (DDF), Government of Ghana support, and donor funding.

She noted that the Assembly is targeting at least GH₵23 million in IGF next year, a portion of which will be channelled into community development. Madam Arkoh encouraged residents to fulfil their tax obligations to make these projects achievable.

Medium- to Long-Term Agenda

Presenting the Assembly’s development outlook, Municipal Planning Officer, Mr. Prince Agyemang Esq, highlighted the proposed Artisan Site at New Baakoyeden as a major intervention. He said the Assembly is in discussions with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to partner in transforming the site into a modern industrial enclave.

Municipal Works Engineer, Mr. David Adjei, also took participants through pictorial updates of ongoing projects and announced a fresh batch of projects lined up for execution in 2026.

New Coordinating Director Introduced

A key highlight of the event was the formal introduction of the Assembly’s new Coordinating Director, Madam Joyce Akosua Angmortheh, who joins Obuasi from the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly. She replaces Mr. Anthony Kwennin, now posted to New Juaben North.

In her brief remarks, Madam Angmortheh pledged to work harmoniously with the MCE and staff of the Assembly to drive development. She dismissed claims that women in leadership often struggle to collaborate, stressing her commitment to teamwork and service.

Engagement with Stakeholders

The Town Hall Meeting attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, market women, Assembly Members, the Presiding Member, and opinion leaders. Participants took turns to ask questions and share concerns, all of which were addressed by the MCE and officials of the Assembly.

The meeting ended with a renewed sense of commitment from both leaders and residents towards supporting the Assembly’s development agenda for 2026 and beyond.

Story by:

Ernest Kofi Offen

Municipal Information Officer 

ISD, Obuasi