President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of what he described as the largest 24-hour economy market under the metropolitan assembly model in Tamale, as part of efforts to stimulate economic activity and strengthen market systems across the country.
The project forms part of the broader 24-hour economy initiative aimed at linking farmers directly to households and improving the circulation of goods and money within local economies.
During the sod-cutting ceremony for a 24-hour model market at Kukuo in Tamale on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as part of his Resetting Tour, Mr Mahama said the initiative is rooted in commitments made in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto.
He explained that markets play a central role in driving economic activity and supporting livelihoods across the country.
“This was part of our promise to stimulate economic activity in all parts of the country and one of the things that stimulates economic activity is markets,” he stated.
Mr Mahama said the Tamale market will serve as a key link between farmers and consumers, ensuring that agricultural produce is efficiently distributed and sold.
“They’re supposed to serve as a link between the farmers and the households and so the farmers will be able to bring their crops here. They’ll be sold and then people buy from here and take home to eat,” he said.
He disclosed that the project will be built on a 3.5-acre parcel of land secured through the support of traditional authorities and local leaders, describing it as a rare achievement in Tamale.
“I said I didn’t believe that in Tamale we’ll be able to get a land as big as this, three and a half acres for this market,” he said.
Mr Mahama expressed gratitude to stakeholders for helping secure the land, noting that land availability in Tamale Central is extremely limited.
“I was born and bred in Tamale and I know that land is virtually finished,” he added.
He said construction has been scheduled for 24 months, although contractors are confident of completing the project earlier.
“We’ve given the contractor 24 months but most of the contractors assure us that we’ll be able to come and commission before the end of 24 months,” he noted.
Mr Mahama explained that the Tamale project represents the largest model under the 24-hour market programme, which varies in size depending on the category of district or metropolis.
“This is the biggest size that metropolitan assemblies are getting,” he stated.
He said the market is designed to operate around the clock and will include a wide range of facilities to support continuous commercial activity.
According to him, the project will include a police station, fire service post, clinic with six beds, pharmacy, administrative offices, environmental office, and an information centre.
He also noted that the facility will contain 71 lockable shops, 132 open sheds, and an open pavement area for small-scale traders.
“It will have 71 lockable shops… 132 open sheds… and an open pavement that can take about 160 small tables,” he said.
Mr Mahama added that the market will include 16 toilets, 16 shower units, 10 warehouses, a lorry terminal, and transport loading areas for commercial vehicles.
He said additional amenities such as a crèche, women’s bank, supermarket, restaurants, and guest rooms have also been incorporated into the design.
“It will have 12 guest rooms, so it will be like a small hotel,” he stated.
Mr Mahama explained that the facility will be supported by drainage systems, biodigesters, solar power, and sanitation infrastructure to ensure sustainability and cleanliness.
He said the project is expected to become the economic nerve centre of the Tamale metropolitan area due to its strategic location.
“I believe that this market is going to be particularly very active… it is going to become the nerve centre of the Tamale metropolitan area,” he said.
Mr Mahama further addressed agricultural challenges, noting that government will intervene to address oversupply of maize and rice through buffer stock operations and processing factories.
He said additional investments will be made in maize processing plants and rice mills to reduce post-harvest losses and expand export opportunities.
He also referenced ongoing efforts to improve water supply in Tamale, indicating that government will independently fund a major water project to address long-standing challenges.
Mr Mahama added that Ghana’s economy remains stable, citing growth in foreign reserves and efforts to manage fuel prices despite global economic pressures.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and infrastructure investment aimed at supporting long-term economic development.
Source: Mubarak Yakubu/angelonline.com
