Traders at Aflao's Aku?asi Market are overjoyed after the Government of Ghana secured a $30 million grant from China to construct a modern market, promising improved infrastructure, business growth, and local job creation.

The traders say the news has rekindled their hopes for improved trading conditions, better infrastructure, and greater economic opportunities for the entire municipality.

According to the traders, the project, once commenced, will not only boost commercial activity in the border town but also create both direct and indirect jobs for artisans and other workers during the construction phase.

Madam Lucia Atitsu, a seasoned trader at the market, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the new market will drastically reduce their dependence on the Republic of Togo for business supplies.

"This market will make our lives easier. We won't have to struggle to cross the border into Togo just to buy goods. Sometimes the border delays and costs money. But with a new market here, everything we need will be closer," she said.

She commended the President for honoring his campaign promise to the people of Ketu South and described the initiative as a step towards lasting development in the area. "We thank the President for remembering his promise to us.

This will bring growth not just to Aflao, but to the entire municipality." Artisans around the market area are also hopeful the construction will create new jobs and boost local incomes. Mr. Koffie Tanna, a carpenter who operates behind the market, expressed excitement over the potential employment the project will generate.

"This is good news for us. Carpenters, masons, plumbers, painters - we will all get work to do when the construction starts. More people will also come here to trade and do business. It will really help 
Aflao's economy," he said.

According to government sources, the new Aflao Market project will include state-of-the-art facilities to enhance hygiene, safety, and efficiency in trading. The design is expected to accommodate hundreds of traders, provide storage facilities, modern stalls, sanitation infrastructure, and parking areas.

The $30 million grant secured from China is part of a broader economic cooperation agenda and fulfills a campaign pledge made by the President during the 2024 general elections to uplift the border town through infrastructure development.

Residents and traders alike see the project as a game-changer that will reposition Aflao as a major trading hub not only in the Volta Region but across West Africa.