NE/ R – Bunkprugu 24-Hour Economy Market Hits 70–80% Blockwork Completion as Consultant Praises Contractor’s Pace

By – Sadat Dabo

Construction of the Bunkprugu District 24-Hour Economy Market is progressing steadily, with blockwork on the main commercial building estimated to be between 70 and 80 per cent complete, according to Edmond Atenga, the Clerk of Works representing the supervising consultant, MMG Consortium, based in Tamale

Speaking to GBC URA Radio’s Sadat Dabo during a visit to the project site, Mr Atenga expressed optimism about the pace of work, indicating that the contractor, Mooshie Limited, could complete the project ahead of its three-year contractual period if the current momentum is sustained and adequate funding is made available

The project, funded by the Government of Ghana under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, forms part of the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative aimed at strengthening local commerce, creating employment and improving market infrastructure across the country

Main commercial building makes significant progress

Providing an update on the project, Mr Atenga said work on the main commercial building had advanced considerably, with construction moving beyond the substructure stage to the first-floor level

He noted that block moulders were actively working on the structure, which is expected to accommodate several commercial and service facilities, including a bank, supermarket, gymnasium and restaurant

According to him, the building is a key component of the market’s Model Three design, which provides for a range of commercial activities and services to support traders, businesses and residents of the district

The development is expected to provide a more organised business environment and expand access to essential services for people operating within the market and surrounding communities

Other market structures progressing

Mr Atenga also reported progress on the other structures planned for the market

He said the lockable stores had reached the completion of the substructure, from the foundation stage to the oversight level, with work expected to advance to the casting of columns and subsequent blockwork

The five shed structures designated for market women had also completed their substructures, with further construction expected to continue as work progresses

The project additionally includes a dedicated meat house, where meat sellers will operate and consumers will be able to purchase meat in a designated trading area

Public washroom facilities are also incorporated into the development to improve sanitation and provide essential amenities for traders and visitors

Mr Atenga explained that the different facilities were designed to support trading activities and improve the overall market environment in Bunkprugu

Consultant hopeful of early completion

Although the contract provides for a three-year construction period, Mr Atenga believes the contractor’s performance so far offers grounds for optimism

The project commenced around May 2026 and, under the contractual timeline described by the consultant’s representative, is expected to run until 2028

However, he said the volume of work undertaken and the pace of construction could enable Mooshie Limited to finish before the scheduled deadline

He stressed that the availability of funds would be critical to maintaining the pace and ensuring that the project progresses without unnecessary delays

“Funding is very important in construction. For this contractor to speed up the work, he needs funding,” Mr Atenga said, appealing to those responsible for facilitating payments and project financing to ensure the contractor receives the necessary financial support

He expressed confidence that sustained funding would help the contractor maintain progress and improve the prospects of early completion

Bunkprugu among seven 24-Hour Economy market locations in North East Region

The Bunkprugu project is one of seven modern 24-Hour Economy market developments allocated to the North East Region under the government’s broader market infrastructure programme

The seven designated locations are:

• East Mamprusi Municipality: Sakogu and Langbinsi
• West Mamprusi Municipality: Walewale
• Yunyoo-Nasuan District: Nasuan
• Chereponi District: Chereponi
• Mamprugu Moagduri District: Yagaba
• Bunkprugu District: Bunkprugu

Together, the projects are intended to expand access to modern trading infrastructure and strengthen commercial activity across the region

The wider 24-Hour Economy Model Market initiative is designed to move beyond traditional daytime and periodic markets by creating facilities that can support extended trading hours, business growth and improved access to goods and services

Depending on the applicable market design, the planned facilities may include lockable shops, open sheds, warehouses, cold-storage units, banking services, food courts, sanitation facilities, security infrastructure, health services and dedicated spaces for transport and logistics

These facilities are intended to help improve market organisation, support agricultural trade, reduce post-harvest losses and create employment opportunities for traders, transport operators, service providers and other local businesses

A boost for local commerce and employment

When completed and operational, the Bunkprugu 24-Hour Economy Market is expected to provide traders with more structured commercial spaces and improve the district’s capacity to support economic activity beyond conventional market hours

The development could also create opportunities for young people and local businesses through construction-related employment, retail operations, food services, transport, storage and other market-linked activities

Its long-term impact, however, will depend not only on the completion of the physical infrastructure but also on effective management, access to utilities, security, maintenance and the ability of traders and businesses to operate sustainably

For now, the progress reported on the main commercial building and other structures offers an indication of the work underway at the project site

As construction continues, attention will remain on funding, the pace of implementation and whether the contractor can deliver the facility before the end of the contractual period

GBC URA Radio will continue to follow developments on the Bunkprugu 24-Hour Economy Market and other major infrastructure projects across the North East Region

Source – gbcuraonline.com