President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of a modern 24-Hour Economy Market in Assin North, describing the project as a major step towards creating jobs, boosting commerce and driving local economic growth under his government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Policy.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony during his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Central Region, President Mahama said the market forms part of government’s plan to establish modern commercial centres in every district to support round-the-clock economic activity.
“One of the key promises we made during the 2024 election campaign was the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Policy.
The policy has been presented to Parliament, and a clear roadmap has been established to begin registering businesses that are interested in participating in the programme,” he said.
According to the President, the policy is designed to generate employment, improve productivity and strengthen Ghana’s economy by encouraging continuous commercial activity.
“The 24-Hour Economy will create jobs, stimulate productivity and strengthen the national economy.
Trade plays a critical role in the development of every successful economy, which is why we conceived the idea of constructing modern 24-Hour Economy Model Markets,” he stated.
President Mahama announced that the Assin North market project will cost slightly over GH¢30 million and stressed that government has adopted a strict payment system to ensure accountability and value for money.
“In line with our commitment to accountability and value for money, contractors will not receive mobilisation payments upfront. Contractors must commence work, raise certificates upon completion of agreed milestones and receive payment accordingly,” he explained.
The President further disclosed that government has decentralised the utilisation of the District Assemblies Common Fund by directing that 80 per cent of the fund be transferred directly to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
“In the past, a significant portion of the District Assemblies Common Fund remained in Accra. Upon assuming office, I directed that 80 per cent of the fund should be transferred directly to the districts,” he said.
“Whenever you see a hardworking District Chief Executive delivering development projects, it is because the Assembly has received its rightful share of the Common Fund.”
President Mahama said the Assin North market will be developed into a modern commercial hub equipped with a wide range of facilities, including lockable stores, open trading spaces, cold storage facilities, restaurants, butcher shops, a 24-hour banking centre, warehouses, a police station, fire station, daycare centre, clinic, pharmacy, sanitation facilities, waste treatment systems and a lorry terminal.
Beyond the market project, the President announced that the government has selected the Agenda 111 Hospital in Assin North for completion after inheriting stalled projects across the country.
“The previous government commenced the Agenda 111 hospital project in many parts of the country, but funding challenges prevented completion. As a government, we have decided to continue the project, and 35 hospitals have been selected for completion. I am pleased to announce that the Agenda 111 Hospital in Assin North is among the selected facilities,” he revealed.
President Mahama also fulfilled another campaign pledge by announcing that Assin State College has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of government’s programme to construct 30 new E-Block classroom facilities across the country.
“Before the 2024 elections, I promised the people of Assin North that we would invest in infrastructure to improve conditions at Assin State College. I am happy to announce that this year’s budget has made provision for the construction of 30 new E-Blocks across the country, and Assin State College will be one of the beneficiaries,” he said.
Touching on the economy, President Mahama attributed the relative stability of the Ghana cedi during recent global economic uncertainties to prudent economic management by his administration.
“Because of the prudent measures and good work undertaken by this government, many Ghanaians hardly felt the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on our economy. We will continue to work hard to maintain the stability of the Ghana Cedi and strengthen it further for the benefit of all Ghanaians,” he assured.
The sod-cutting ceremony forms part of President Mahama’s nationwide Resetting Ghana Tour, which seeks to update citizens on government policies, inspect ongoing development projects and engage communities on the implementation of key national programmes.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
