PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama at the weekend cut the sod for the construction of two separate 24-hour economy markets at Bimbilla and Kukuo, a suburb of Tamale in the Northern Region, to boost agricultural and trading activities in the area.
The two markets, to be constructed by Yaape Doo Limited and Mighty Construction Limited, are expected to be completed within 24 months.
The projects form part of a nationwide initiative to establish modern markets in all 261 districts.
The programme is aimed at stimulating round-the-clock economic activity, strengthening local commerce and improving the link between agricultural production and market access.
Addressing chiefs and residents at the sod-cutting ceremony, President Mahama said the projects fulfilled a key promise made during the 2024 election campaign.
“It was a promise we made during the campaign of 2024 and in the manifesto of the NDC that we presented for the election, and that is exactly what we are delivering in Bimbilla and Tamale,” he said.
He explained that the initiative was part of efforts to stimulate economic activity across the country, stressing that markets played a critical role in driving local economies.
“One of the things that stimulates economic activity is markets,” he added.
The President described the two facilities as among the largest model markets under the programme. He said they would include 10 warehouses, clinics, fire and police posts, banking services, crèches and food outlets to support 24-hour operations and improve safety and convenience for traders and consumers.
He noted that the projects would significantly improve food storage and distribution, while supporting economic growth in the region.
President Mahama emphasised that markets remained central to economic life, serving as key hubs for trade and the circulation of money.
“Farming without access to markets undermines the economic value of production,” he said.
He added that the projects, when completed, would generate employment and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
The President said the markets would serve the people of Bimbilla and Tamale for generations to come.
“This market will last for hundreds of years and serve your grandchildren and generations yet unborn,” he stated.
He, however, appealed to the contractors to ensure quality work to guarantee durability.
As part of his “Resetting Ghana” tour of the Northern Region, President Mahama also inspected ongoing projects at the E.P. College of Education, Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO), the construction of Phase One of the Third Ring Road in Tamale under the “Big Push” initiative, and the CATLAB project at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
FROM YAHAYA NUHU NADAA, TAMALE
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