Mankessim (C/R), Dec. 6, GNA - Mankessim, a commercial town in the Central Region and the first settlement of the Borbor Fantes after their migration from Takyiman in the Brong Ahafo, is to be given a facelift. The market is to be reconstructed into an ultra modern trading facility at an estimated cost of 15 million dollars, whilst a roundabout in the town is to be decorated with the symbols and the bust of three leaders -- Obromankoma, Odapagyan and Oson, who brought the Borbor Fantes from Takyiman.

The symbol of Odapagyan, the Hawk, Obromankoma the whale and Oson, the elephant, depict the strength of the Borbor fantes who cannot be conquered either in the air, on the sea or land.

Mr Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, said this at a meeting with chiefs, Assembly members and some NPP leaders at Mankessim where the drawings of the projects were shown to the stakeholders for discussion. Mr Asamoah-Boateng who is the MP for Mfantseman West said a three-tier fountain would be sited in the inner circle of the roundabout with the symbols and the bust erected around it.

The plan for the market included a day care centre, banking halls, a car park and a recreational centre.

Mr Ato Essuman, a Member of Council of State, commended the MP for his good works and urged him to ensure that adequate precautionary measures were taken to prevent traffic jam at the market and the roundabout.

Mr Essuman noted that traffic congestion could prevent people from patronising the shopping malls.

"People will prefer to buy their items from wayside shops, rather going to the shopping malls only to be locked up in traffic," he stated. Dasebre Kwebu Ewusie VII, Omanhene of Abe/adze Traditional Area assured the MP of the preparedness of chiefs to make the facelift project a success.