Tensions are brewing in the Odotobri Constituency of the Ashanti Region as executives of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) accuse the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Amansie Central, Emmanuel Obeng-Agyemang, of marginalising Jacobu, the district capital, in the siting of the government’s 24-hour economy market.
The NDC executives are up in arms over the decision to locate the market at Mile Nine, instead of Jacobu, a move they say lacks development logic and exposes the assembly’s disregard for equity in infrastructural development.
Addressing journalists, the NDC’s Constituency Communications Officer, Andrews Korankye, questioned the rationale behind bypassing Jacobu, a town he described as starved of basic infrastructure for a major economic intervention.
“Jacobu is the district capital, yet it has no proper market, no decent roads, and very little to show in terms of development.
“It is shameful that a capital town is overlooked while a less central community is chosen for such a strategic project,” he said.
Korankye listed several critical road networks including; Afoako-Jacobu, Jacobu-Homase, Jacobu-BB, Abruakwa, Kobro, Numerso and Mile 14 – which, according to him, are in dire need of rehabilitation to facilitate healthcare access, improve security and boost local commerce.
He added that the market, being tied to the 24-hour economy agenda, championed by NDC’s 2024 flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, should have been positioned to catalyse growth in a location with district-wide significance, not political convenience.
DCE Fires Back
In a swift rebuttal, DCE Emmanuel Obeng-Agyemang dismissed the accusations, calling it unfortunate. He insisted that the decision to site the market at Mile Nine was not his alone, but a product of collective deliberation and voting by the Amansie Central District Assembly.
“Anyone who understands local governance knows that no DCE can unilaterally choose a site for such a project.
“The assembly, made up of elected and appointed members, considered all proposed locations, including Jacobu and after extensive debate, voted in favour of Mile Nine,” he explained.
According to him, suggestions were made for several areas, including Jacobu, Mile 14 and Mile 18, but Mile Nine secured the majority of votes during the General Assembly Session, which was presided over by the Presiding Member.
“It was a transparent and democratic process. I didn’t even cast a vote. The assembly members, who represent the people made the final decision.”
Obeng-Agyemang also rejected suggestions that the decision was politically influenced or designed to disadvantage the district capital.
“My focus is development. The 24-hour market is part of our broader strategy to boost the local economy through internally generated funds (IGF), and I remain committed to delivering on that mandate.”
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