$30m Chinese grant secured to build modern market in Aflao
Ghana has secured a USD30 million grant from the People’s Republic of China for the construction of a modern market in Aflao, in the Volta Region fulfilling a key campaign promise made by President John Dramani Mahama.
The funding agreement was signed on July 7, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signed on behalf of the Government of Ghana, while the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Tong Defa, represented the Chinese government.
Mr. Ablakwa described the development as “a pledge fulfilled and a vision realized,” emphasizing that the initiative was “on the express instructions of President John Mahama.”
He stressed that the project reflects the government’s commitment to revitalizing key trading centers and supporting regional integration.
“This is a landmark project that will transform Aflao into a vibrant commercial hub and unlock enormous economic potential. On the express instructions of President John Mahama, the funds will be used to construct a modern market in Aflao, consistent with his promise during the 2024 election campaign,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
The USD30 million grant draws comparisons with a previous Chinese funded project under the Mills Mahama administration, which led to the construction of the Kotokuraba Market in Cape Coast. That initiative has become a benchmark for modern market infrastructure in Ghana, and the Aflao market is expected to surpass it in both scale and economic impact.
The project marks another milestone in the growing Ghana China bilateral relationship, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and economic diplomacy. It also reflects China’s continued role in supporting Ghana’s urban renewal and trade infrastructure agenda.
Aflao, which lies along the Ghana Togo border, is one of West Africa’s busiest trade corridors, accommodating thousands of traders and travelers daily.
However, the town has long struggled with inadequate and congested market facilities, limiting its potential as a regional commercial hub.
Once completed, the modern market is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, especially for women and young people. The facility will offer a more hygienic, secure, and organized trading environment, while boosting local economic activity.
In addition to the economic gains, the market is anticipated to enhance cross border trade between Ghana and Togo, particularly along the Ho Aflao Lomé corridor. The project is also expected to improve revenue generation for the Ketu South Municipal Assembly and strengthen customs and logistics efficiency at the border.
Local stakeholders have welcomed the development as timely and transformational, with many expressing optimism that it will stimulate investor interest and help position Aflao as a key logistics and trade hub in the ECOWAS subregion.
Construction is expected to begin following the completion of procurement and design processes, with the government pledging full transparency and community engagement throughout the project lifecycle.
