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For the people Central Region and indigenes of Cape Coast especially, whose most thriving industry is commerce and trade, the building of Kotokuraba Ultramodern Market is about all the leverage the people need to prosperity.

Even though Kotokraba is not one of the two largest Centre’s of commerce of the Central region compared to Kasoa and the rest, the market is constructed in Central regional capital courtesy of an NDC government and that appreciate the power of public and private partnership (PPP) as engine for economic growth and development.

The Construction of the market has been one of the promises of the Mills/Mahama government to the indigenes of Cape Coast.

Its an ultra-modern market project when completed will boast of shops, banks, hospitals and schools. It will also have a car park, an office block, a drainage system and walkways to ensure the free movement of traders and customers.

The project which is being financed with a concessionary loan from the Chinese government, will also receive support from the Central government and the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, the market is designed to provide for the region a centre of commerce and trade in.

The construction, the first phase of work is completed, especially the provision of infrastructure. The entire market has been fully constructed as it is extremely necessary for the other level of development to be achieved.

The market is well departmentalised according to goods sold and services rendered. It is planned to habour shops, lines for special dealers such as cosmetics, restaurants; a fire service Centre, banking spaces among others.

A miniature inspection that was carried out at the market yesterday by the Vice President Kwesi Amissah -Arthur was an eye opener . Officials are also making routine visits to the site to ensure it is completed on schedule

Conceptualisation

The market is the brain child of the Late President John Mills. The aim, according to him, was to decongest the Kotokraba and rebuild it for the traders to a more befitting modern market with adequate infrastructure, comparable to any modern market in the world.

The concept is to build a first class infrastructure and market stall and sell to traders at affordable rates and under relaxed financial terms. That way, each trader will acquire his or her own shop without much stress and hence proceed with business under a very friendly environment.

There are indigenous property developers and consultants, whose level of professionalism in the property development industry transcends the shores on Ghana.

President Mahama has said the idea is to make the market a more comfortable place. And ordered that existing traders in the old market are billed to be given priority in the sale of the new shops but is to be chiefly on the first come first served basis.

President John Dramani Mahama has warned local authorities in the regional capital of the Central Region to ensure fairness in the allocation of the Kotokuraba market shops when completed.

The market is constructed in two phases, the phase 1 and phase 11. Currently on the phase 1 its completed and also on part of phase 11 is ongoing.

Kotokraba described as an ancient market and no more conducive for their daily trading the new market is applauded by the traders especially since the government has assured that the existing traders would be given priority in the allocation of shops.

This would help in the acceleration and its ubanisation and enhance commercial activities within and around the market," said the market union leader.

Facilities

The project is conceptualised and built to provide the greatest convenience, comfort and most conducive environment possible for traders to transact their businesses and to the level comparable to any such edifices anywhere in Ghana and offshore.

All the street light, water system, security cameras and fire alarm system are working Provision has been made for a minimum of banks to be located within the market complex.

An out post of fire service with a functional fire truck has been incorporated in the market complex, It will also have a car park, a well-constructed drainage system, and walk ways to ensure free movement of goods and people

More fire points is planned for the market. The market is to be equipped with fire extinguishers with a common mustering point. The market has toilet facilities .refuse disposal blocks are under construction. According to the market plan, a janitorial service company shall be engaged for refuse disposal and clearing services.

On security at the market, it is planned that a qualified and efficient security apparatus shall be engaged to provide security cover. A panic alarm system is to be installed to -

Interface with the police and the fire services. The Information Technology System, according to the market plan and communication network is planned to run the intercom lines through out the market..