Essumegya, a vibrant community in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region, has witnessed a major step forward in its economic transformation following the commissioning of a 38-unit ultramodern market complex — a project single-handedly funded by an illustrious native, Mrs. Mary Antwi.
The new facility, built in memory of her late parents, Opanin Kwame Ntim and Obaapanin Adwoa Fordjour, is being hailed as a game-changer that will reshape trading activities and stimulate economic growth in the town.
At a colourful ceremony attended by traditional leaders, government officials, and hundreds of residents, the Municipal Chief Executive for Bekwai, Mr. Issaka Salia Salifu, joined the Essumegya Traditional Council to officially open the market.
A Legacy of Love and Service
In her remarks, Mrs. Antwi said the project was inspired by a deep sense of duty to her roots and a desire to perpetuate her parents’ legacy of community service. She noted that Essumegya had long struggled with inadequate trading infrastructure, a challenge that affected local commerce and the livelihoods of many women.
“This market is not just a structure — it is a seed for Essumegya’s future,” she said. “I believe that by creating decent spaces for trade, we empower our mothers, sisters, and youth to earn a living with dignity.”
She expressed gratitude to the Traditional Council, the Bekwai Municipal Assembly, and community members for their cooperation throughout the project and urged traders to keep the facility clean and well-maintained.
Boost to Local Governance and 24-Hour Economy
MCE Issaka Salia Salifu lauded Mrs. Antwi for her vision, describing her as a model of civic responsibility. He said the project complemented the government’s 24-hour economy initiative championed by President John Dramani Mahama, which aims to stimulate continuous business operations and job creation across the country.
“The market will not only decongest old trading areas but also open up Essumegya to new investment and employment opportunities,” Mr. Salifu stated. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting more public–private collaborations that advance community development.
Chiefs, Residents Celebrate a New Dawn
The Essumegya Traditional Council commended Mrs. Antwi for her exceptional philanthropy, describing the market as “a beacon of progress and unity.” They noted that the project would attract traders from surrounding areas and boost the town’s reputation as an emerging commercial hub.
The commissioning ceremony was filled with colour and excitement — traditional drumming, dancing, and cultural performances signalled the community’s pride and optimism.
Traders who spoke to the media expressed gratitude for the new market, saying it would provide safer, cleaner, and more organized trading spaces, while helping to expand their businesses.
With the new 38-unit market complex now operational, Essumegya is poised for a period of renewed economic energy — proof that when philanthropy, tradition, and local governance intersect, communities can redefine their own development destiny.
