Ghana is witnessing a significant drive towards national development and economic transformation with the government's initiation of the 24-Hour Market projects across various municipalities. These projects aim to stimulate production, trade, and job creation, ultimately building resilient local economies and fostering rapid socio-economic growth. Traditional rulers, government officials, and community leaders have collectively voiced their support for these laudable initiatives, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation to ensure their successful execution.

In the Berekum East Central Municipality of the Bono Region, a sod-cutting ceremony marked the commencement of the 24-Hour market at Namasua. Osabarima Kusi Yeboah, the Chief of Domfete and the Nifahene of the Berekum Traditional Area, passionately urged Ghanaians to set aside political differences and actively support the contractors involved in these projects. He underscored that partisan politics should never hinder national development, and adopting entrenched positions only impedes progressive and sustainable growth. The chief described the market projects as being in the right direction, poised to serve as catalysts for economic upliftment.

Further reinforcing this call for diligence, Nana Akosua Ameyaa III, the Paramount Queenmother of the Berekum Traditional Area, commended the government for the initiative. She issued a stern caution to contractors against delivering shoddy work and implored them to accelerate their efforts to complete the projects within stipulated timelines, recognizing the market's potential to boost economic growth and transformation in the Berekum Municipality. Hajia Fatimatu Abubarkar, the Berekum East Central Municipal Chief Executive, who officiated the ceremony, provided insights into the facilities. The Namasua market is designed to include dedicated police and fire posts, a banking hall, financial service points, standard washrooms, specialized meat shops, and various restaurants, ensuring comprehensive services for traders and customers. She assured that funding for the project was readily available, pressing for quality and speedy execution.

Concurrently, President John Dramani Mahama officially commenced construction works for the 24-hr Economy Market at Kukuo in Tamale, labeling it as the largest among all markets to be developed under the government’s 24-hr Economy initiative. While the project is officially expected to conclude within 34 months, contractors have optimistically projected its readiness for commissioning before the 24-month mark. Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, President Mahama elaborated that the market designs are tailored to suit the specific needs of Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Assemblies, but the Tamale model represents the most extensive blueprint.

The President clarified that the market project is just one facet of the broader 24-hr Economy initiative, which aims for a much larger economic transformation by stimulating production, trade, and ultimately, job creation. The Tamale facility is meticulously designed to support round-the-clock economic activity, integrating a wide array of commercial, social, and security services. Its extensive features include numerous lockable shops, 132 open sheds for traders dealing in foodstuffs, vegetables, and other produce, alongside open pavement space accommodating approximately 160 small table traders. Moreover, it will house 10 warehouses for storage, a dedicated lorry terminal for produce deliveries, a separate transport terminal for commercial vehicles, a butcher shop, and a cold store vital for preserving unsold meat and perishable goods.

Beyond commercial infrastructure, the Tamale market is envisioned as a comprehensive hub. It will boast a permanent Police Station and a Fire Service Station, serving both the market and its surrounding communities. Essential social services will include a clinic equipped with six beds for basic admissions and observation, a pharmacy, a market manager’s office, an environmental health office, and an information centre designed to assist traders and customers with public announcements. Additionally, the facility will provide 16 shower units and 16 water closet toilets, a crèche to support women traders with young children, and a dedicated women’s bank, offering a secure environment for traders to save their daily earnings. President Mahama highlighted that this integrated approach is intended to enhance convenience, safety, and productivity, making the market a true center for both commerce and essential community services. He also used the occasion to assure the people of Tamale that efforts were underway to secure financial resources to resolve the persistent water crisis in the area, a matter crucial for supporting productive activities at the market.

Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South Constituency, where the market is located, articulated that the 24-hr Economy Market initiative is strategically designed to reposition value addition to local produce, significantly improving the livelihoods of farmers and driving industrialization. The Gukpe-Naa, Paramount Chief of Tamale, conveyed through his spokesperson, profound gratitude to the President for endeavors aimed at enhancing the welfare of the people through the 24-hr economy initiative, also commending the government for ongoing road projects that are already positively impacting local lives.