President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s leader since his 2024 election victory, visited Kasoa on Friday, May 8, 2026, to officially dedicate the revamped Kasoa New Market. The event marks a key step in his administration’s focus on infrastructure and the 24-hour economy initiative.[1][2][3]

Ceremony Highlights

The dedication ceremony drew thousands of traders, local chiefs, and residents to the bustling Awutu Senya East hub. Mahama cut the ribbon at 11:00 AM, praising the market’s upgrades like fire-resistant stalls, solar lighting, and expanded sections for produce, textiles, and electronics. He emphasized how the project, accelerated post a January 2026 fire that razed over 100 stores, boosts livelihoods for 800+ displaced traders.[4][5][6][7]

Market Upgrades

Built since 2001 with recent modernizations, the facility now features improved drainage, security, and 24-hour operations to extend trading hours. Funded partly by municipal assembly and NGOs, it aims to cut congestion on the Accra-Cape Coast corridor and spur local commerce. Traders hailed the changes, noting better storage and reduced losses from outages.[8][9][10][11]

President’s Address

In his speech, Mahama linked the market to national goals: “This is resetting Ghana—turning challenges into opportunities for our market women and youth.” He announced grants for affected vendors and pledged faster completion of nearby roads. Local leaders, including the Kasoa Mankralo, endorsed the initiative for enhancing security and economic activity.[10][12][13]

Community Impact

Kasoa, a vital trading node, benefits from the market’s role in West African commerce. The dedication follows similar projects like Asesewa and Dormaa markets, signaling a nationwide push. Residents anticipate job creation and reduced urban migration as the site fully operationalizes next week.[13][14][15]