We need markets and Jobs Not Slogans: Asempanaye Market Still Abandoned as Residents Cry for Relief

Offinso North, Ashanti Region – Years after it was built, the Asempanaye weekly market facility remains unopened, leaving residents of Asempanaye and nearby towns to travel hours for basic trading. Residents say there has been no improvement since Hon. Caesar Fosu Acheampong became DCE.

Community members say the DCE promised during the Akumadan-Afrancho road recommissioning that the Asempanaye market would be completed and a bridge linking it to the main Kumasi road would be constructed.

The project was expected to serve Nsenoa, Amponsahkrom, Dwenedabi, Papasi, Adaankwata, Okraakrom and other small communities.

“The market was ready under the previous government. Since then nothing has happened. Now grass cutters, snakes, rats and rabbits have taken over,” a resident said. Current images from the site show an overgrown, dusty structure.

Without a local market, residents say they spend up to 8 hours traveling to Abofour market just to buy essentials like salt.

“This market could have reduced that burden, but it has been abandoned,” another resident added.

Road safety concerns in Darso

Residents of Darso say the lack of local market infrastructure has forced traders to sell along the main road, exposing them to danger.

Community members allege that people have died in road accidents while trading by the roadside, including fatalities reported on Easter Sunday.

They say these incidents could be reduced if the Asempanaye market and other nearby markets were commissioned and made functional.

During the ceremony to recommission the Afrancho market, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Caesar Fosu Acheampong, noted that the Afrancho market is the latest in a series of market renovations across the municipality, including similar upgrades in Akomadan, Asempanaye, Nkenkaasu, and Darso.

He stated that the renovation is part of broader efforts by the assembly to improve economic infrastructure and support the livelihoods of residents.

Residents counter that while the announcement was made, Asempanaye’s market has seen no work since, and Darso continues to face safety challenges.

Residents allege that attempts to remind the DCE of his promise have been dismissed, with claims that he denies the pledge to party executives.

Ahead of the NPP primaries, they are urging Hon. Fosu Acheampong to act on 3 outstanding requests:

1. Water: Provide potable water for Apenten

2. Roads: Construct Nsenoa roads

3. Infrastructure: Commission the Asempanaye Police Station and the Asempanaye market

“If he really wants to win the primaries and become MP in Offinso North, he must deliver. Voters know how to respond,” a community member stated.

Attempts to reach Hon. Caesar Fosu Acheampong, DCE for Offinso North, for comment on the stalled market, bridge, water and road projects had not yielded a response by press time.

This article will be updated when his office responds.

This report is based on statements from residents of Asempanaye, Darso and surrounding communities.

Allegations reflect community accounts. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.