The Yagbonwura Kurabaso Market, a vital economic hub in Damongo, has finally reopened its doors after years of closure, bringing new hope and opportunities to the local community. The market’s revival is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts and commitment to development.
The market’s renovation was made possible through the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) under the erstwhile Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo government, with Hon. Musah Karim Kusubari, the then Municipal Chief Executive, overseeing the project. The project was successfully completed and commissioned on November 29, 2024, by Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo Constituency and then Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. However, its operationalization was delayed due to the change of government.
The re-opening ceremony took place on October 18, 2025, with Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, the current Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja, leading a delegation to the market. In his address, Hon. Castro expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Hon. Musah Karim Kusubari, for initiating the market project and commended the Market Committee for their dedication in bringing the market back to life. He specifically acknowledged and praised Hon. Musah Karim Kusubari’s efforts in securing funding from the Common Fund Secretariat, which made the project a reality.
Hon. Castro pledged his commitment to supporting the market’s growth and urged traders to make judicious use of the space, promote unity, and peaceful coexistence. He also announced that stalls would be rented on a yearly renewable basis, with proceeds forming part of the Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to be reinvested into further expansion and improvement of the market infrastructure.
(Cue Audio of Hon. Castro)
The Yagbonwura, Jira Bii-kunuto Jewu Soale I, and the Damongowura, Jira Seidu Kelly Boresa I, were also acknowledged for their support and leadership. Gariba Alancha, representing the Damongowura and chairing the Market Committee, thanked the chiefs for their guidance and the traders for their cooperation. He urged the traders to continue supporting the market’s growth and development.
(Cue Audio of Chief Alanchan)
Traders expressed appreciation to the authorities for facilitating the transition from the congested daily market to a safer and more organized weekly market setup. Some traders raised concerns about the lack of proper seating arrangements and called for better structure in terms of positioning.
(Cue Audio of Trader)
The market’s reopening marks a fresh beginning for local commerce, reviving an economic hub and rekindling a piece of Damongo’s cultural and commercial identity.
