Apaaso Community Market commissioned: DCE advocates public-private partnerships for grassroots development

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Kwanwoma, Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah, has underscored the need for robust public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a catalyst for accelerating infrastructure development and improving livelihoods. She made the call during the commissioning of the newly constructed Apaaso Community Market in the Ashanti Region.

Hon. Asamoah described the facility as a major boost to local economic activity, noting that it would provide a conducive trading environment for market women and small-scale business operators while enhancing residents’ access to goods and services. She commended the project’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Patrick Owusu, popularly known as Pekus, for his foresight and commitment to community development.

According to the DCE, private-sector initiatives of such nature complement government efforts in job creation and help fast-track development at the grassroots level. She urged traders and market leaders to prioritize cleanliness, proper maintenance, and effective management to ensure the facility’s long-term sustainability.

In his remarks, Mr. Owusu explained that the market project forms part of his contribution to supporting government efforts aimed at creating jobs and reducing youth unemployment. He noted that the initiative is not only a business venture but also a strategic intervention to empower local traders and stimulate economic activity within the community. He appealed to traders and residents to cultivate a strong maintenance culture, emphasizing that the facility’s long-term success depends on how well it is managed and preserved.

The Assembly Member for the Asaago-Apaaso Electoral Area, Hon. Nelson Boakye Yiadom, called on residents to patronize the market to justify the investment made. While commending the initiative, he raised concerns about the poor state of roads and rising insecurity in the area and urged the government to take urgent steps to address those challenges.

The commissioning of the Apaaso Community Market marks a significant milestone in the promotion of local economic development within the Atwima Kwanwoma District and highlights the critical role of public-private collaboration in driving sustainable growth.