The Honorable Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, officially commissioned the newly revamped Thursday Market in Berekum under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP). The commissioning marks a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and improving the livelihoods of citizens.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Adjei-Mensah Korsah commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community members, and development partners, particularly the World Bank, which provided a $245 million credit facility to fund the program. Initiated in 2019, the GSCSP is set to conclude in 2025, benefiting 35 municipalities across Ghana with infrastructure such as markets, transport terminals, pedestrian walkways, storm drains, and street electrification.
“Today, we celebrate progress,” the Minister remarked, highlighting the government’s resolve to tackle urban development challenges arising from Ghana's increasing urbanization. The country surpassed the 50% urbanization threshold in 2021, placing immense pressure on municipal assemblies to meet the growing demand for quality services.
The Berekum East Municipal Assembly has been a key beneficiary of the GSCSP, receiving capacity-building support and essential infrastructure development. The rehabilitated Thursday Market now boasts modern facilities, including a fire station, a police post, a meat shop, and other amenities that previously did not exist.
In addition, the project has revitalized the daily market, nearing completion, and enhanced the area’s road network through bituminous surfacing and street electrification. A new 300-seat conference facility and a commercial center are also among the transformative projects implemented in Berekum.
The Minister emphasized the economic and social benefits of the new market, describing it as a catalyst for improved livelihoods and a dignified environment for economic activity. He charged the Municipal Chief Executive to ensure the proper maintenance of the facilities to guarantee their long-term sustainability.
“Our commitment as a government is to deliver comprehensive urban service improvements that enhance the living standards of our people,” the Minister affirmed.
The event also shed light on the District Road Improvement Program (DRIP), another government initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure across all 261 districts. With the deployment of modern earth-moving equipment such as graders, bulldozers, and excavators, district assemblies are now better equipped to maintain their road networks efficiently.
SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)