Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Chief Executive Officer of the Coastal Development Authority (CODA), has performed a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a modern market at Ada Kasseh in the Ada East Constituency of the Greater Accra Region.

The project formed part of the Constituency’s allocation of one million dollars support under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme.

The CEO was assisted by the Ada East District Chief Executive, Madam Sarah Dugbakie Pobee, and some traditional leaders of the area to cut the sod.

It is expected to accelerate economic and social development in the area and boost trade, empower communities and strengthen families.

Most residents in the Constituency engaged in petty trading, farming, fishing and other informal sector activities to earn income, making the construction of the market most welcoming.

Mr Shaib said the project was expected to be completed within six months by Rock Solution Company Limited, the contractor. The new market will have 40 lockable shops with an open area designed to take about 500 people with sheds and a crèche.

In addition, all the shops, crèche and interior structures will be paved with an open space.

CODA is also undertaking other development projects in the Constituency to promote education, health and social inclusion and protection.

For education, CODA is constructing a two-storey dormitory block at the Ada Senior High School being undertaken by Afrach Co Ltd.

Upon completion, it would give students a more conducive accommodation and environment to learn.

A new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound will also be constructed by Mack Sam Co Ltd to improve the quality of health services in the community.

To ensure greater social inclusion and protection, CODA has awarded the construction of a 20-seater Water Closet Toilet facility for physically-challenged persons (PWDs) to be constructed by Ultimate Impressions.

“This is in line with CODA’s commitment to eliminating social inequalities and empowering the vulnerable in society by making public facilities user friendly,” Mr Shaib said.

It is also undertaking special development projects in 109 constituencies in six regions; Greater Accra, Central, Western, Western North, Volta and Oti regions to accelerate socio-economic development.

CODA is an implementing agency of the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives and collaborates with MDAs to carry out its mandate through constant engagements with the assemblies, traditional leaders and community groups to build consensus.