President John Dramani Mahama has cut sod for the construction of a 24-hour market in Dormaa in the Bono Region as part of efforts to boost economic activity and support traders in the area.
The event, held on Wednesday, marked the start of the first phase of the President’s nationwide Accountability Series, an initiative aimed at bringing government closer to the people and ensuring that development projects are evenly distributed across the country.
“The purpose of this exercise is simple: to account to the people of Ghana and to ensure that development reaches every region,” President Mahama said.
He noted that within one year in office, his administration has taken deliberate steps to channel public funds into projects that directly improve the lives of citizens.
The President explained that the project goes beyond physical infrastructure, highlighting its broader economic and social impact.
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is not just about infrastructure , but about opportunity. Markets remain the backbone of our local economies. They support livelihoods, encourage trade, and serve as centres of community life,” he said.
He outlined that the Dormaa market will be designed to meet the diverse needs of traders. In addition to stalls for clothing, electrical goods, and food items, the facility will include an administrative office, a daycare centre, a restaurant area, a police station, a fire service post, a clinic, a cold store, banking services, including a Women’s Development Bank and a transport terminal.
President Mahama indicated that the Dormaa project is part of a broader plan to construct 261 modern markets across districts nationwide.
“Across the country, we are rolling out 261 modern markets in districts to expand economic activity beyond traditional hours and create more opportunities for traders and young people,” he said.
He further assured that traders affected by the redevelopment will be given priority when shops are allocated after completion of the project.
Touching on the economy, the President said inflation has dropped significantly from 23.4 percent, while the cedi has strengthened from about 17 cedis to approximately 10.7 cedis to the dollar.
He also noted that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has been reduced from 66 percent to the targeted 45 percent within a year.
“These gains did not happen by chance , they are the result of discipline, careful management, and a clear focus on restoring confidence in the economy,” he said.
President Mahama also responded to concerns raised by the Dormaahene regarding challenges faced by Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso.
He said he would personally engage the President of Burkina Faso to address issues relating to the seizure of goods, including eggs, and work towards a lasting solution.
He further announced that his tour would continue on Thursday with the commissioning of the National Signals Bureau building and a visit to the Sunyani Airport site, where land has already been secured and procurement processes will soon begin.
The President is also expected to visit Sunyani Secondary School to inspect ongoing GETFund projects.
President Mahama concluded by reaffirming his commitment to equitable development across the country, adding that before leaving office, he aims to ensure Ghana’s road network ranks among the best in West Africa.
Source: Mubarak Yakubu/angelonline.com.gh
