By Benjamin Akoto
Bongase(Bono), Jan. 6, GNA -Traders in the Banda District have given in a big thump up to the government’s plan to build a 24-hour market at Bongase in the Bono Region.
The traders shared the sentiment when Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for the Banda constituency made the announcement of the initiative during his thanksgiving tour of the area.
The market, a flagship policy initiative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, aims to establish ultra-modern, state-of-the-art markets across all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana to boost economic activity and improve livelihoods in the area.
Mr Ibrahim, also the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in an interview with the Media at Bongase revealed that the market would be a multi-storey facility, which will lockable shops, a police station, fire station, women’s bank, crèche, restaurant, warehouses, pharmacy, salon and barbering shop, lorry park and other essential infrastructure.
He said the project is to ensure a one-stop-shop experience for users, adding that the market will operate 24 hours a day, promoting continuous business activity and improving livelihoods.
Mr Ibrahim assured that the project would follow the proper procurement process to ensure qualified contractors are selected for timely delivery of the projects with construction set to begin in January 2026.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Madam Fatima Laraba, a trader, expressed hope that the government would fulfill its promise and believes the market will significantly improve the livelihoods of traders in the area
Madam Aku Agrago from Lakpla also expressed gratitude, noting that the project would enhance economic activity in the district and urged the government to expedite the construction process.
Ishmeal Ahianyo, a second-hand clothing dealer, described the project as a laudable and transformative project for rural trade.
However, he hoped the project was not just a political rhetoric and that the government would deliver to Ghanaians.
GNA
Edited by Regina Benneh/ Kenneth Odeng Adade