President Mahama Announces Chinese Government Grant for Aflao Market Redevelopment

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Government of China has awarded Ghana a grant to support the redevelopment of the Aflao Market into a modern commercial hub, as part of efforts to boost local economic activity and cross-border trade.

Speaking during a community engagement in the Ketu South Municipality, President Mahama disclosed that the funding agreement, which has already been finalized, will see the complete transformation of the existing market into an ultra-modern facility equipped with essential amenities such as proper sanitation infrastructure, storage warehouses, security posts, fire safety systems, and designated areas for food vendors and artisans.

“We have secured a grant from the Chinese government to build a brand new Aflao Market. This is not a loan — it is a grant — and work will commence soon. This market will be a major boost for local traders, particularly women, and strengthen the region’s position in ECOWAS trade,” President Mahama said.

Aflao, a border town with Togo, plays a critical role in regional commerce. The market serves not just residents of Ghana’s Volta Region but also traders and buyers from neighboring Togo, Nigeria, and Benin. However, the current market structure has long been criticized for its poor layout, inadequate facilities, and vulnerability to flooding during the rainy season.

The President noted that this redevelopment is part of a broader initiative under his government’s renewed commitment to improving border towns and commercial zones, with particular focus on infrastructure that empowers small-scale entrepreneurs and promotes regional integration.

He also assured the traders that current market users will be prioritized when allocating new stalls, and that proper stakeholder consultation will continue throughout the construction phase to ensure minimal disruption to economic activity.

The Chinese ambassador to Ghana is expected to join local officials in a groundbreaking ceremony slated for next month. The project, according to preliminary designs, will be completed within 18 months and is expected to provide over 500 direct jobs during the construction phase.

Market women, youth leaders, and traditional authorities have welcomed the news, describing the initiative as “timely and transformational.”

“We’ve been praying for this moment for years. May God bless whoever made this possible,” said Madam Akua Mensima, a tomato seller at the Aflao Market.

As Ghana continues to strengthen bilateral ties with China through infrastructure, trade, and education, the Aflao Market grant marks yet another milestone in a relationship that has contributed significantly to Ghana’s development journey.

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