The historic town of Aflao is on the brink of a major transformation as government, traditional authorities, and development partners move closer to breaking ground for the Aflao Ultra-Modern Market Project, a flagship initiative under President John Dramani Mahama’s infrastructure renewal agenda.
The project, backed by a US$30 million grant from the Chinese government, aims to redefine cross-border trade and urban development in Ghana’s Volta Region — turning Aflao into a model of modern commerce and community integration.
High-Level Stakeholder Meeting Charts the Path Forward
This week, a high-level coordination meeting was convened to review the market’s technical designs, feasibility report, and implementation framework. The deliberations focused on aligning the project’s architecture, environmental standards, and financial planning with local development priorities.
The meeting was attended by a distinguished team of leaders and partners, including Togbui Adzongaga Amenya Fiti V, Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area; Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Member of Parliament for Ketu South and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Creative Arts; Hon. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister; Hon. Nicholas Kwabla Worlachie, Ketu South Municipal Chief Executive; and H.E. Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana.
All stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment to ensuring that construction begins soon after the President’s sod-cutting ceremony, with preparatory work and stakeholder consultations nearing completion.
A Vision Beyond Trade: A City Within a Market
The proposed Aflao Market is designed to be more than a trading centre — it is envisioned as a self-sustaining urban ecosystem. The master plan includes:
A fully serviced market complex with over 4,000 stalls and lockable stores
Educational facilities (basic and vocational schools)
A fire station and health clinic for safety and public welfare
Administrative offices and warehouses
A modern transport terminal for local and cross-border logistics
Recreational centres, green zones, and waste management systems
According to project coordinators, the market will not only serve traders from Ghana but also attract merchants from Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, strengthening Aflao’s status as a sub-regional commercial hub.
Ground Reactions: “We Are Ready for Change”
When News Volta visited the old Aflao market and surrounding communities, the mood was one of renewed optimism and cautious excitement. Traders, artisans, and transport operators expressed hope that this project — long discussed but never realized — would finally materialize under the renewed partnership between Ghana and China.
“For years, we’ve heard promises about rebuilding this market. But now, with all these big names involved, it feels real,” said Afi Kumedzro, a textile trader.
“This project will not only help us but also our children who can learn skills and get jobs when the market opens.”
Others highlighted the market’s potential to reshape the economic landscape of the Volta Region, attract tourism, and enhance urban security and sanitation.
“Aflao has always been the gateway to Ghana. If this market is done well, it will show that the Volta Region is ready for the future,” remarked Togbui Fiti V, who reaffirmed the traditional council’s total support for the project.
Government’s Broader Vision: 24-Hour Economy in Action
Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu described the Aflao Market project as a pillar of the 24-Hour Economy, explaining that it fits into the region’s broader agenda to create jobs, empower local enterprises, and attract private investment through value addition and smart infrastructure.
“The Aflao project embodies what the 24-Hour Economy stands for — productivity, partnership, and progress. It will create opportunities for our people while positioning Volta as a driver of national growth,” he said.
Next Steps and the Road Ahead
Following the meeting, final documentation is being processed to pave the way for the official sod-cutting ceremony by President Mahama, which is expected in the coming.
Residents and stakeholders are united in one hope — that this project, born of collaboration and perseverance, will mark the beginning of a new era for Aflao and the Volta Region as a whole.
Source Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako ll News Volta
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