The ancient coastal city of Winneba is set to receive a major economic boost, following a government pledge to construct an ultramodern, gated 24-hour market as part of its flagship 24-hour economy policy. The announcement was made during the grand durbar of the 2025 Aboakyer Festival on Saturday, May 3, amid jubilant celebrations by the chiefs and people of Effutu.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, made the declaration in response to a heartfelt appeal from Neenyi Ghartey VII, the Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, who bemoaned the deteriorating state of the existing market and the poor conditions endured by market women.
“Our women sit on the floor and put their foodstuffs on the bare ground to sell. Please give us a market as your legacy, and we will remember you always,” the Paramount Chief said in his appeal to President John Mahama.
The new market, according to the Minister, will operate both day and night under tight security. It will feature a police post, fire station, crèche, and other critical infrastructure to support continuous activity and ensure the safety and convenience of traders and patrons.
Although the 24-hour market project was initially planned to begin in the 16 regional capitals, Mr. Ibrahim disclosed that Winneba would be the first to benefit due to its historical importance and strategic location. “When we return in 2026, it will be to inspect progress—not to tell more stories,” he promised.
Economic Game-Changer for Winneba
The introduction of a 24-hour market is expected to transform the local economy of Winneba by creating new employment opportunities, expanding business hours, and attracting both local and external investment. It will also enhance the value chain for farmers, fisherfolk, and traders, who will now have access to a broader, more consistent customer base throughout the day and night.
Local economic analysts have noted that such markets often trigger growth in supporting sectors like transportation, warehousing, logistics, cold storage, and financial services—paving the way for a bustling, interconnected economy. Youth employment, women’s empowerment, and informal sector productivity are also expected to rise.
Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister, echoed these sentiments by encouraging corporate bodies and investors to set up businesses, particularly factories, in Winneba to help absorb the growing youth population.
Celebrating Culture and Development
The Aboakyer Festival, themed “Championing Our Ancestral Legacy,” drew hundreds of celebrants and tourists to Winneba. The climax featured a vibrant procession by the traditional authorities and Asafo companies, drumming, dancing, and the symbolic hunting of a live bushbuck. This year, the Tuafo Asafo Company emerged victorious, returning from the forest at 10:13 a.m. with the animal, which was received with jubilation and presented to the Paramount Chief for traditional rites.
Minister Ibrahim, in commending the Effutu people for preserving their rich cultural heritage, urged them to also prioritize sanitation and environmental conservation, noting that the sustainability of the festival depends on a healthy ecosystem.
He further appealed to the traditional authorities and assembly members to give a 100% endorsement to Mr. Abraham Arthur, the Municipal Chief Executive nominee, to ensure continuity in development.
A Festival Rooted in History
The Aboakyer Festival is celebrated annually in May by the people of Simpa (Winneba) in honour of their deity, Penkye Otu. It commemorates the protection the deity offered to their ancestors during their migration from Timbuktu. The sacrificial rites, once involving humans and later leopards, have evolved over centuries to involve the hunting of a live bushbuck.
Beyond its spiritual and cultural essence, the festival continues to play a vital role in unifying the community and driving the local economy through trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
As Winneba positions itself as a beacon of both tradition and innovation, the forthcoming 24-hour market could mark a defining moment in its transformation into a vibrant, inclusive economic hub on Ghana’s coast.
