John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the construction of a modern 24 hour economy market in Dormaa Ahenkro, located in the Bono Region, marking the first project under the government’s flagship policy to promote round the clock economic activity.

The new facility is expected to serve as a comprehensive commercial hub, featuring a day care centre, restaurants, police and fire stations, a clinic, cold storage facilities, a lorry station, retail shops, administrative offices, and a Women Development Bank.

The sod cutting ceremony formed part of the President’s nationwide “Accounting to the People” tour, an initiative aimed at strengthening engagement with citizens while providing updates on government programmes and development efforts across the country.

Speaking at the Dormaa Ahenkro Tuesday Market, President Mahama said the project delivers on his 2024 campaign pledge to establish 24 hour economy markets in all 261 districts. He emphasised the central role of trade in Ghana’s economy, noting that the initiative is designed to boost local commerce, generate employment, and improve living standards.

He added that similar projects will be implemented nationwide to stimulate economic activity at the local level and expand opportunities for businesses.

Addressing concerns about global geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the President expressed confidence in Ghana’s economic resilience. He noted that measures taken by his administration have strengthened the economy’s capacity to absorb external shocks.

According to him, despite inheriting economic challenges, prudent fiscal management and efforts to reduce inefficiencies in public spending have helped restore stability and provide relief to citizens.

He pointed to recent economic indicators as evidence of recovery, highlighting a sharp decline in inflation from 23.4 percent to 3.3 percent, alongside improvements in macroeconomic stability.

The project received strong backing from traditional authorities, with the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, describing it as a significant step toward advancing socio economic development in the area.

He commended the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy and acknowledged previous administrations for initiating infrastructure projects in Dormaa Ahenkro. He also urged authorities to ensure the timely completion of key developments, including road projects such as the Jinijini Sampa route, which is vital for transportation and trade.

The traditional leader further called for the completion of stalled initiatives, particularly the Dormaa Municipal Agenda 111 hospital, and appealed for the establishment of a medical school at the University of Energy and Natural Resources to support healthcare delivery in the Bono Region.

As part of his ongoing tour, President Mahama also inspected progress on the Jinijini Sampa road project and visited the proposed site for a new Sunyani Airport in the Sunyani West Municipality.