By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Dramani Mahama has cut sod for the construction of a 24-hour economy market in Bimbilla, fulfilling a key promise made during the 2024 campaign and captured in the NDC manifesto.
The initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to stimulate economic activity across the country, with markets identified as central to economic life. These trading centres serve as convergence points for buyers and sellers, facilitating the exchange of goods and the circulation of money within local economies.
Government plans to construct modern 24-hour markets in all 261 districts nationwide under the programme
Modern facilities to support round-the-clock trading
Each market will be equipped with key infrastructure, including fire service posts, police stations and crèches to support traders with children.
The facilities will also include restaurants to provide meals throughout the day, as well as clinics, banking services and other complementary services to sustain continuous economic activity.
Linking agriculture to markets
The President stressed the importance of connecting agricultural production to reliable markets, noting that farming without access to markets undermines its economic value.
He emphasised the need for a strong linkage between the farm, the market and the household, describing the market as a critical bridge between food production and consumption.
Bimbilla has been identified as a strategic location due to its strong agricultural base. The area is a major producer of yams, maize, beans and groundnuts, making it a key centre for food production in the Northern Region.
Warehousing to reduce post-harvest losses
The Bimbilla market, one of the largest model markets under the programme, will include ten large warehouses for storage and redistribution of produce.
This is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmer incomes and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Call for quality execution and sustainability
President Mahama urged the contractor to ensure high-quality work, stressing that the facility is intended to serve generations.
Upon completion, the market will be handed over to the district assembly, which will oversee its maintenance through a dedicated market administration system, including the appointment of a market administrator to manage 24-hour operations.
Job creation and private sector linkages
The project is expected to generate employment opportunities within the local economy.
Government is also engaging private sector players, including producers of fufu flour, to explore the use of yam as an alternative raw material. This is aimed at expanding market opportunities for yam farmers and stabilising prices, particularly during peak harvest seasons when prices tend to decline.
Supporting infrastructure development
In addition to the market project, several infrastructure initiatives have been prioritised in the area, including key road networks to improve access and connectivity.
This forms part of a broader national road development programme aimed at enhancing transportation and trade.
Clarification on tricycles under Free Primary Healthcare
The President also clarified the use of tricycles distributed under the Free Primary Health Care programme.
He explained that the tricycles are not ambulances but are designed to support health workers and volunteers in delivering primary healthcare services to communities.
The tricycles are equipped with compartments to safely transport vaccines while maintaining the cold chain. They will support vaccination campaigns, routine health screening and early detection of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
They are particularly useful in reaching remote and underserved communities with limited access to health facilities.
In areas where health workers can operate motorcycles, motorcycles will be provided for similar outreach services. Tricycles will serve as an alternative in locations where motorcycles are not feasible.
Distinction from ambulances
President Mahama stressed that ambulances remain designated for emergency medical transport, dismissing claims that the tricycles are being used as substitutes.
He reiterated that the vehicles are strictly for outreach, preventive care and community health engagement, forming a key part of the Free Primary Health Care programme’s focus on early intervention.
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