On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, key stakeholders gathered in Accra to chart the path for the redevelopment of the market in Aflao, an initiative made possible by a grant from the government of China to the government of Ghana. The meeting followed the signing of a funding agreement aimed at constructing a modern market facility in the Volta Region border town, with the goal of boosting trade and strengthening regional integration.
In his remarks, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) emphasised government’s unwavering commitment to the project. “This is a strategic investment in our border trade infrastructure,” he said. “When completed, the modern market will transform Aflao into a dynamic hub, catalysing jobs, cross-border commerce and regional growth.” According to official sources, Ghana secured a US$30 million grant from China for the project.
Also present was the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, and the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khadija Iddrisu, alongside traditional chiefs from the Aflao Traditional Area and representatives of the Chinese Embassy. Their presence underscored the shared responsibility between national, regional and local actors in ensuring the success of the project.
Stakeholder discussions covered key modalities: land allocation, construction timelines, trader relocation during development and future management of the market. According to the grant announcement, 159 acres of land have been allocated by the Aflao Traditional Area for the project. The meeting closed with a collective pledge: to collaborate effectively and ensure that the market is delivered on time and to standard.
■ Expected Economic Impacts
The Aflao market redevelopment is expected to deliver multiple economic benefits:
● Job creation:
Both direct jobs (construction, management, services) and indirect jobs (traders, logistics, ancillary services) will be generated, raising employment in the border town and surrounding region.
● Boost to trade flows:
Aflao sits at the Ghana–Togo border, making it a strategic gateway for intra–West African trade. The new facility is projected to enhance market connectivity, especially between the Ho area and Lomé, thus increasing volumes of goods and services passing through.
● Regional integration and growth:
By modernising infrastructure, Ghana signals greater participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, enabling smoother cross-border movement of goods and potentially attracting private investment.
● Improved livelihoods:
For the many traders who currently operate in informal or sub-standard market conditions, the new facility offers improved safety, better facilities and higher capacity all of which can lead to increased revenues and improved standards of living.
The project thus presents a timely investment in infrastructure that supports Ghana’s long-term ambitions of industrialisation, trade expansion and inclusive growth.
● Sidebar:
Ghana-China Infrastructure Partnership
The Ghana–China infrastructure partnership has deep roots and wide-ranging implications. China has emerged as a major development partner for Ghana, providing grants, loans and technical cooperation across sectors including transport, energy and trade infrastructure.
The Aflao market project builds on this tradition. The recent grant demonstrates a shift from purely large-scale national infrastructure (e.g., dams, roads) to targeted trade-enabling facilities that have direct local and regional impact. With Ghana securing a US$30 million grant from China for the market project in Aflao, the cooperation takes a more focused turn.
Moreover, during recent bilateral discussions, China committed additional funding including a reported extra 200 million RMB to Ghana’s infrastructure programmes, reinforcing the depth of the relationship.
For Ghana, this means not only access to finance but also to Chinese technical expertise, project delivery regimes and potential value-chain linkages. For China, Ghana offers a stable and strategic partner in West Africa with access to regional markets. The Aflao market, therefore, is emblematic of a maturing partnership: one that is less about prestige and more about building platforms for trade, jobs and economic resilience.
As Ghana moves from signing to delivering, all eyes will be on Aflao and whether the promise of a modern trading hub can translate into concrete gains for traders, the region and the nation.
Source: mfa.gov.gh
Author: Edem Latsu Nukafu
Edem Latsu Nukafu, a passionate communications professional dedicated to public relations, journalism, media strategy, and content development. He holds both a Diploma and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Media, Arts and Communication – UniMAC-IJ. A member of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
