Akumadan Citizens’ Group Rejects DCE’s Claim of “Successful Dialogue” Over 24-Hour Economy Market Location

Tension is rising again in Akumadan after the Coordinator of Akumadan Concern Citizens, Mr Kofi Atobra, publicly refuted claims by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Offinso North, Hon. Ceasar Ofosu Acheampong, that a “successful dialogue” has resolved the controversy surrounding the siting of the government’s 24-hour economy market at Nkenkaaso.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Mr Atobra categorically denied that any meaningful agreement was reached during the purported engagement between the DCE and two representatives of the group — himself and Nana Boateng (Hon J.K.).

“The DCE’s assertion that there has been a successful dialogue is completely false and misleading,” Mr Atobra stated. “What happened was only a brief courtesy call. No substantive discussions took place, and certainly no consensus was reached on relocating or maintaining the market at Nkenkaaso.”

The controversy erupted after the government announced Nkenkaaso as the chosen site for the ultra-modern 24-hour economy market, a decision that has been fiercely opposed by residents and opinion leaders in Akumadan, who insist the district capital is the most suitable and central location.

Citizens argue that siting the market in Nkenkaaso will deprive Akumadan — the commercial hub of the district — of critical economic benefits and further marginalize the town.

Hon. Ceasar Ofosu Acheampong had told journalists at a press conference in Akumadan that he personally met with Mr Atobra and Nana Boateng, and that both parties had agreed to support the Nkenkaaso location following “fruitful discussions.”

But Mr Atobra has described that account as a “deliberate distortion,” warning that the group will not back down until the market is relocated to Akumadan.

“We remain resolute. The people of Akumadan will not accept this project to be taken away from us. If the DCE thinks he can use a 10-minute meeting to silence us, he is mistaken,” he added.

The Akumadan Concern Citizens have threatened fresh demonstrations if the government does not reverse the decision.

Neither the DCE nor the Offinso North District Assembly has issued a fresh response to Mr Atobra’s rebuttal at the time of filing this report.