Ghana’s economic partnership with China has taken a new step forward with the commencement of the Aflao Market Project, a modern commercial centre expected to boost cross-border trade and stimulate regional growth along the eastern corridor.
The project follows the recent signing of a grant agreement between the Governments of Ghana and China aimed at financing the construction of the facility, which will serve as a key trade hub linking Ghana and neighbouring Togo.
At a stakeholder engagement in Aflao, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, said the project represents more than a local infrastructure investment; it is a strategic economic initiative designed to strengthen Ghana’s position as a key player in subregional commerce.
“The new Aflao Market will not only create jobs and improve livelihoods but also enhance the ease of doing business in the Volta Region and across our borders,” he said.
The project aligns with the government’s development agenda to modernise commercial infrastructure, promote regional trade integration, and expand revenue sources for local authorities.
According to him, the market’s completion will make Aflao a major logistics and distribution centre for goods entering and leaving Ghana’s eastern border.
The engagement, which brought together traditional leaders, diplomats, and senior government officials, also provided a platform to discuss project timelines, local content participation, and strategies for sustainable management once completed.
Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the Aflao Market Project as a symbol of Ghana-China economic diplomacy in action.
“This collaboration with China is proof that international partnerships can directly translate into economic empowerment for local communities,” he said, expressing confidence that the project will reshape the commercial landscape of the Ketu South Municipality and attract new investment to the Volta Region.
Representatives from the Chinese Embassy reaffirmed their government’s commitment to supporting infrastructure projects that promote trade, local enterprise growth, and job creation in Ghana.
Khadija Iddrisu, Acting Chief Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that beyond trade, the project demonstrates Ghana’s focus on fostering inclusive economic growth through strong bilateral relations.
The Aflao Market, once completed, is expected to feature modern stalls, cold storage facilities, financial service points, and digital infrastructure to facilitate payments and logistics operations. This shift will formalise trade activities and improve market efficiency.
Traditional leaders of the Aflao Traditional Area welcomed the development, pledging full support to ensure smooth implementation. They also urged contractors to prioritise local employment and procurement to ensure the economic benefits directly impact residents.
In a joint communiqué, all stakeholders resolved to maintain transparent communication throughout the project’s execution and ensure it is completed within schedule and budget.
Economists say the Aflao Market Project will enhance Ghana’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by positioning the Volta Region as a gateway for regional commerce and investment.
