Prez. Mahama Breaks Ground for 24-Hour Market in Bimbilla
President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the construction of a 24-hour modern market in Bimbilla, marking a major step in the government’s nationwide infrastructure and trade expansion programme aimed at stimulating local economies and strengthening agricultural value chains.
The project forms part of a broader rollout of 261 model markets across all districts in Ghana under the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, which is designed to promote round-the-clock commercial activity, improve productivity, and enhance linkages between producers and consumers.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama said the initiative is anchored on a campaign promise made during the 2024 elections.
“Today we are here in fulfillment of a promise we made during the campaign of 2024,” he said, stressing that markets remain central to economic circulation and local development.
He explained that market infrastructure plays a critical role in connecting agricultural production to consumption, particularly in rural and food-producing areas, where trade serves as a major driver of household income and local business activity.
“And so one of the major ways to stimulate economic activity and to circulate money in the economy is to build markets,” he noted.
The Bimbilla facility is expected to be one of the largest model markets in northern Ghana, reflecting the area’s strong agricultural base, which includes the production of yam, maize, beans, and groundnuts.
According to the President, the market will be fully equipped with modern facilities, including 10 large warehouses for storage and distribution, security services, healthcare units, and financial service centres to support continuous trading operations.
“And so Bimbilla being an important food producing area, it is only proper that Bimbila should get one of the largest model markets,” he added.
He explained that the inclusion of warehousing facilities is intended to reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage capacity, and stabilise supply chains for farmers and traders.
The President further noted that the market will serve as a long-term national asset.
“This market is going to be there for hundreds of years. Our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren will come and do business in this market,” he said.
Beyond its commercial function, the project is also expected to generate employment opportunities, including administrative and operational roles to support its planned 24-hour operations.
The market development is part of a wider infrastructure agenda, which includes ongoing road construction projects across the country. President Mahama disclosed that nearly 2,000 kilometres of roads are currently under construction, supported by approximately GH¢50 billion in funding.
He also used the occasion to clarify aspects of government’s primary healthcare programme, stating that recently introduced tricycles are not ambulances but logistical vehicles for health workers to support vaccination campaigns and community health outreach.
The Bimbilla 24-hour market is expected to strengthen agricultural trade in the Northern Corridor, deepen rural economic activity, and contribute to the government’s broader agenda of boosting productivity and balanced regional development.
