President John Dramani Mahama has cut sod for the construction of a major 24-hour economy market in Bimbila, marking a key highlight of his #ResettingGhana tour of the Northern Region, which began on Saturday.
The project fulfills a major campaign promise made during the 2024 elections and captured in the manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Addressing residents at the ceremony, President Mahama said the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to stimulate economic activity and strengthen local commerce.
“Markets remain central to our economic life. They are not just places for trading goods, but spaces where money circulates and livelihoods are sustained,” he stated.
He announced that the 24-hour market programme will be implemented across all 261 districts, with each facility designed to support continuous trading.
“Every district will benefit from a modern market equipped with essential services such as fire stations, police posts, clinics, banking services, restaurants and crèches,” he said.
The President stressed the importance of linking agriculture to reliable markets, noting that farmers’ incomes depend heavily on access to structured trading systems.
“There must be a clear connection between the farm, the market and the household. Without markets, farming loses its value,” he emphasized.
Bimbila was selected due to its strong agricultural base, particularly in yam, maize, beans and groundnut production.
The planned facility is expected to be one of the largest under the programme, featuring ten warehouses for storage and redistribution.
“This will reduce post-harvest losses and improve incomes for our farmers,” President Mahama added.
He urged contractors to ensure quality execution, describing the project as long-term infrastructure meant to serve future generations.
A dedicated market management system will be introduced, including the appointment of a market administrator, while the district assembly will oversee maintenance.
The project is also expected to create jobs and stimulate agro-processing industries. Government is engaging private sector players to expand the use of agricultural produce, including exploring yam-based alternatives such as fufu flour to stabilize prices during peak harvest seasons.
“Expanding processing options will help farmers recover their investments and improve returns,” he noted.
Beyond the market, President Mahama highlighted ongoing investments in road infrastructure to improve access and connectivity across the region.
He also addressed public concerns regarding vehicles distributed under the Free Primary Health Care programme.
“The tricycles are not ambulances. They are designed for outreach—carrying vaccines, supporting screenings, and helping health workers reach remote communities,” he clarified.
According to him, the vehicles are equipped to maintain vaccine cold chains and support immunisation, routine health checks, and early detection of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. “Where possible, motorcycles will be used. In other areas, tricycles will serve as the alternative.
They are strictly for preventive care and community health engagement,” he added.
The Bimbila 24-hour market project is expected to boost economic activity, strengthen the agricultural value chain, and improve livelihoods across the Northern Region upon completion.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
