President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of a state-of-the-art 24-Hour Economy Model Market in Juapong, describing the project as a major catalyst for economic transformation in the Volta Region and a key pillar of the government’s 24-Hour Economy agenda.
Addressing a large gathering of chiefs, residents, traders and government officials, President Mahama said Juapong was strategically positioned to become a major commercial and industrial hub because of its fertile lands, hardworking people and strategic location.
“Juapong possesses all the important characteristics for economic growth. It has fertile lands, hardworking people and a strategic location that naturally connects production, commerce and transport,” the President stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the Volta Region receives its fair share of national development, stressing that government would not discriminate against any region based on political considerations.
“This government does not view the Volta Region merely as a region of political support. We reject the idea that any part of Ghana should be neglected because of its electoral choices. Our responsibility is to govern for every Ghanaian.”
Modern Enterprise Hub
President Mahama explained that the Juapong market would be far more than a traditional trading centre, describing it as a modern enterprise hub designed to support production, aggregation, storage, processing, packaging, digital commerce and financial services.
The Category Four market typically reserved for metropolitan assemblies was awarded to Juapong in recognition of its enormous commercial potential.
The facility will include:
100 lockable stores
150 market stalls
10 warehouses
A supermarket
Police and Fire Service posts
A clinic and pharmacy
A Women’s Development Bank branch
A daycare centre
Livestock and butcher facilities
Cold storage
Restaurant and food courts
Guest rooms
Office accommodation
Modern sanitation facilities
An open retail trading area
According to the President, the market will reduce post-harvest losses, improve incomes for farmers, create employment opportunities and strengthen local economic linkages throughout the region.
“The market we are beginning today is not just going to be a place where people come to buy and sell. It is being developed as a modern enterprise hub that will support production, processing, digital commerce and efficient distribution.”
24-Hour Economy Rollout
President Mahama announced that the Juapong project marks the beginning of the construction of 24-Hour Economy Model Markets in all 18 districts of the Volta Region, as part of government’s nationwide plan to establish similar facilities across all 261 districts in Ghana.
He said the markets would create an integrated commercial network linking producers directly to markets while promoting agriculture, industry and regional trade.
Volta Economic Corridor
The President outlined government’s broader vision of developing the Volta Economic Corridor, integrating agriculture, manufacturing, aquaculture, logistics, inland water transport, renewable energy, tourism and export-oriented industrialisation.
He noted that communities such as Juapong would become important commercial centres within the corridor.
Volta Star Textiles Revival
President Mahama also announced significant progress in efforts to revive the long-defunct Volta Star Textiles Limited.
According to him, government has completed the selection of a strategic investor who will soon visit the factory together with the transaction advisor to begin preparations for modernising the facility.
“The revival of Volta Star Textiles Limited will create jobs, strengthen Ghana’s textile value chain and reposition Juapong as an important industrial hub.”
He further disclosed that government is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Benin for the supply of cotton to support operations at the revived factory.
Compensation for Dam Spillage Victims
Addressing residents affected by the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage, President Mahama assured them that compensation arrangements were progressing.
He revealed that funds had already been allocated in the national budget to commence compensation payments.
“Compensation arrangements will be completed fairly, transparently and responsibly.”
Volivo Bridge Back on Track
The President also reaffirmed government’s commitment to constructing the long-awaited Volivo Bridge, revealing that discussions with Japanese partners had been concluded and a new contractor would be procured after the previous contractor withdrew because of prolonged delays.
He expressed confidence that construction would begin before the end of the year.
Youth Empowerment
President Mahama encouraged young people in the Volta Region to seize emerging opportunities under the 24-Hour Economy policy, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, digital services, entrepreneurship and the creative industry.
“Government will continue to create the right environment, but the determination, creativity and commitment of our young people will ultimately drive lasting prosperity.”
Priority for Displaced Traders
The President assured traders displaced by the redevelopment project that they would receive first priority in the allocation of stalls and lockable shops once construction is completed.
He also commended the area’s Member of Parliament and Minister for Foreign Affairs for supporting displaced traders with 100 deep freezers to cushion them during the construction period.
Call for Collective Ownership
President Mahama urged contractors, traditional leaders, supervising institutions and residents to work together to ensure the successful completion of the project.
“Let this market become a symbol of what is possible when government and citizens work together with a shared commitment, determination and sense of purpose.”
The Juapong 24-Hour Economy Model Market forms part of the Mahama administration’s flagship economic transformation agenda aimed at expanding commerce, creating jobs, boosting agricultural value addition and accelerating inclusive national development under the #ResettingGhana programme.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
