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Amansie South Chiefs Urge Mahama to Extend Big Push Roads to Tontokrom as Residents Invest in New Community Market
Traditional leaders say improved roads will unlock economic opportunities, while a 48-lockable market project signals the community’s commitment to self-driven development.
By:Justice Baffour/Managing Editor, DailyWatchGH.com
Traditional authorities in Manso Tontokrom in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to include the community in the government’s flagship Big Push Road Infrastructure Programme, describing poor road connectivity as the greatest barrier to the area’s economic transformation.
The chiefs made the appeal during the sod-cutting ceremony for a 48-lockable market complex, a self-help development project initiated by the Tontokrom Unit Committee to boost commerce, create jobs and provide a modern trading environment for residents.
According to the traditional leaders, Manso Tontokrom has enormous agricultural and commercial potential, but years of deteriorating roads have made it difficult for farmers, traders, students and healthcare workers to move freely,slowing down economic growth and discouraging investment.
They commended President Mahama for launching the Big Push initiative,saying the programme has the potential to transform deprived communities across the country.
However, they stressed that Tontokrom must not be left behind.
“Our roads remain in a very poor condition, making transportation expensive and difficult. Improving these roads will open up our local economy, attract businesses, improve access to essential services and enhance the quality of life for our people,” the chiefs said.
The traditional leaders also highlighted the market project as proof that the people of Tontokrom are prepared to contribute to their own development rather than relying solely on government support.
This market is a community investment. We are demonstrating our commitment to development through self-help. Once the road network is improved, this market will become a thriving commercial hub, serving not only Tontokrom but neighbouring communities across the Amansie South District,they noted.
The Unit Committee Secretary, Mr. Owusu, explained that the project was conceived to expand business opportunities, empower women and young entrepreneurs, and improve trading conditions within the community.
He said the 48-lockable stores would provide a secure and organised marketplace capable of stimulating local economic activity and generating employment.
This project represents an investment in the future of our community. It will create opportunities for businesses to grow while improving livelihoods. We therefore encourage every resident to support this initiative because sustainable development requires collective effort, Mr. Owusu stated.
He further appealed to government, corporate organisations and development partners to support the community’s efforts by investing in critical infrastructure, particularly roads, to maximise the economic impact of the market project.
Residents who attended the ceremony expressed optimism that the successful completion of the market, together with improved road infrastructure under the government’s Big Push agenda,would attract new businesses, increase employment, strengthen local commerce and position Manso Tontokrom as one of the emerging commercial centres in the Amansie South District.
For many residents,the combination of community-led development and government investment in road infrastructure offers renewed hope for sustainable economic growth, improved livelihoods and a brighter future for Tontokrom and its surrounding communities.
