Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy drive begins as Mahama unveils Dormaa-Ahenkro Market Project
President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Dormaa Municipality of the Bono Region.
The project, the first under the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative, will feature a day-care centre, restaurants, police and fire stations, a clinic, cold storage facilities, a lorry station, commercial shops, administrative offices for market management, and a Women Development Bank.
The ceremony formed part of the President’s nationwide “Accounting to the People” tour, designed to bring governance closer to citizens, engage local communities, and update the public on ongoing policies and development programmes. The tour also allows the President to assess current and planned projects across the country.
Addressing traders at the Dormaa-Ahenkro Tuesday Market on Wednesday, President Mahama explained that the initiative fulfills a key promise in his 2024 campaign to establish 24-hour economy markets in all 261 districts.
He emphasised that trading remains a vital component of Ghana’s economy, noting that the project is expected to boost commercial activity, generate employment, and improve living standards.
He further assured that similar markets would be developed nationwide to strengthen local economies and expand business opportunities.
On global geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, President Mahama expressed confidence that Ghana’s economy would remain stable and unaffected. He stated that government had implemented measures to cushion the economy against external shocks.
According to him, despite inheriting economic challenges, his administration had introduced prudent fiscal policies that have restored stability and eased pressures on citizens.
He added that efforts to block financial leakages and reduce public sector waste were yielding positive results. Recent indicators, he said, show a strong economic recovery, with inflation falling significantly from 23.4 percent to 3.3 percent.
He also noted that improved macroeconomic conditions had strengthened Ghana’s resilience in the face of global uncertainty.
The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, welcomed the project, describing it as a significant driver of socio-economic progress in the area.
He praised government efforts in stabilising the economy while also acknowledging past administrations for initiating market infrastructure development in Dormaa-Ahenkro.
He remarked, “I know you have been in office for just over a year, but you have done well, especially with the forex situation, and Ghanaians appreciate that.”
The traditional leader also commended ongoing road projects in the region, particularly the Jinijini-Sampa road, noting its importance for transportation and the movement of agricultural produce.
However, he urged government to ensure timely completion of projects to maximise their impact. He also appealed for the completion of stalled initiatives, especially the Dormaa Municipal Agenda 111 hospital project.
Additionally, he called for the establishment of a medical school at the University of Energy and Natural Resources to support the Sunyani Teaching Hospital and improve healthcare delivery in the region.
As part of his tour, President Mahama inspected the ongoing Jinijini-Sampa road works and the proposed site for a new Sunyani Airport in the Sunyani West Municipality.
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