…Mahama Directs Use of Funds for Aflao Market Redevelopment
Ghana has secured a $30 million grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, with President John Dramani Mahama directing that the funds be used to redevelop the Aflao Market into a modern trading hub.
The decision aligns with a key campaign promise he made during the 2024 general elections.
The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Taking to his social media platform, Ablakwa confirmed that the signing of the grant agreement had taken place on July 7, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.
According to the Minister, he signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana, while the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, signed on behalf of the Chinese government.
Ablakwa noted that the disbursement of the grant was made possible following the express instruction of President Mahama, who remains committed to delivering on key infrastructure pledges that directly impact the daily lives of Ghanaians.
The Aflao Market redevelopment, is not just a political promise but a strategic investment aimed at transforming the Aflao border town into a commercial gateway for the West African subregion.
“The new, befitting modern market will serve as a powerful economic hub for West African trade,” Ablakwa stated, emphasizing that the facility will link Ghana’s Ho Market with Togo’s Lomé Market. This, he explained, will enhance cross-border commerce and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, especially for traders, transport operators, and artisans.
He also took the opportunity to highlight a precedent set during the administration of the late President John Evans Atta Mills and then-Vice President Mahama, when Ghana received a similar grant from China for the construction of the now iconic Kotokuraba Market in Cape Coast.
By Prince Ahenkorah