President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Dormaa Municipality of the Bono Region.
The facility, the first to be rolled out under the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, will include a day-care centre, restaurants, police and fire stations, a clinic, cold storage units, a lorry station, shops, offices for market management, and a Women Development Bank.
The sod-cutting ceremony formed part of the President’s nationwide “Accounting to the People” tour, which seeks to bring government closer to citizens, engage grassroots communities, and provide updates on national policies and development initiatives.
The tour also provides the President with an opportunity to inspect and assess ongoing and proposed development projects across the country.
Boosting trade and jobs
Speaking at the Dormaa-Ahenkro Tuesday Market on Wednesday, President Mahama said the project fulfilled his 2024 campaign promise to establish 24-hour economy markets across all 261 districts nationwide.
He stressed that trading remained a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, adding that the initiative would revitalise economic activity, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
The President assured that similar market projects would be replicated across the country to stimulate local economies and enhance commercial activities.
Economy resilient despite global tensions
Touching on rising global tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, President Mahama expressed confidence that the situation would not adversely affect Ghana’s economy.
He said the government had taken deliberate steps to stabilise and strengthen the economy to withstand external shocks.
According to him, although his administration inherited a struggling economy, prudent measures and disciplined fiscal management had helped restore stability and provide relief to citizens.
Signs of economic recovery
President Mahama said his government had curtailed financial leakages and reduced waste in public spending.
He noted that recent economic indicators pointed to a strong recovery, adding that inflation had declined sharply from 23.4 per cent to 3.3 per cent.
He further stated that macroeconomic stability had improved, reinforcing the country’s resilience amid global uncertainties.
Traditional authority backs project
The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, welcomed the project, describing it as a major boost to socio-economic development in the area.
He commended the government for stabilising the economy and also acknowledged previous administrations for initiating market infrastructure projects in Dormaa-Ahenkro.
“I know you have been in office for just over a year now, but you have done well, especially with the forex situation, and Ghanaians appreciate that,” he said.
Call for completion of key projects
Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II praised ongoing road developments in the region, particularly the Jinijini-Sampa road, describing it as critical to improving transportation and facilitating the movement of goods and farm produce.
He, however, urged the government to ensure the timely completion of such projects to maximise their benefits.
The paramount chief also appealed for the completion of stalled initiatives, especially the Dormaa Municipal Agenda 111 hospital project.
In addition, he called for the establishment of a medical school at the University of Energy and Natural Resources to support the effective operation of the Sunyani Teaching Hospital and enhance healthcare delivery in the region.
Project inspections continue
As part of his tour, President Mahama also inspected the ongoing Jinijini-Sampa road project and the proposed site for a new Sunyani Airport in the Sunyani West Municip
