By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, GNA
Paga (U/E), May 18, GNA – The Kassena Nankana West District Assembly has inaugurated a livestock market at Nania, a suburb of Paga to boost economic activities and position the border town as a major livestock trading hub in the region.
The market, which is the first of its kind in the area is expected to serve traders from across Ghana and neighbouring Burkina Faso.
Mr Stephen Aeke Akurugo, the District Chief Executive for the area, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, described the intervention as a response to long-standing concerns raised by livestock traders and the Paga Youth Movement over the absence of a formal animal market in Paga.
According to him, many livestock traders from the area had for years travelled to other towns, including Navrongo, to buy and sell animals despite Paga being one of the major livestock-producing areas in the region.
Mr Akurugo said shortly after assuming office, several stakeholders visited him to discuss the need for an animal market in Paga, explaining that the concerns were later reinforced by the Paga Youth Movement, which formally petitioned the Assembly to establish the facility.
“I have had a number of people who spoke to me about Paga not having an animal market. When the Paga Youth Movement also came with the same concern, we had to listen because this government is a listening government,” he said.
The DCE said after engaging livestock traders and other stakeholders, the Assembly decided to operationalise the project to stimulate economic growth in the area.
He expressed optimism that the market would attract traders from across the district and neighbouring communities, thereby increasing commercial activities and improving livelihoods.
“We all know the importance this market will serve to Paga and the district. Most of you will do your business here while others will bring animals from across the district to sell here. It will boost the local economy of Paga and that of the district as a whole,” he stated.
Responding to demands by the Assembly Member for the area for the fencing of the market and the provision of electricity, sheds, and a mechanised borehole, the DCE disclosed that the current project represented only the first phase of development of the market.
He explained that the Assembly intended to undertake additional investments once the viability of the market was established.
“Every business starts small. We want to see how the market progresses before we further invest in it,” he added.
Mr Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, the Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement, said the idea for the market originated from discussions on the group’s platform.
He said the leadership of the movement engaged livestock traders and later presented the proposal to the DCE, who welcomed the initiative.
“We are very grateful that today we are witnessing this historic moment. This market will boost the economy of the district and also create livelihoods for the people around and beyond,” he stated.
Mr Aborah urged traders from Ghana and neighbouring countries to patronise the market, describing it as a facility open to all, saying “this market is not only for Paga people. It is open to everybody beyond the boundaries of Ghana.”
Mr Seroyo Kawiabu, the Assembly Member for the Nania Electoral Area, commended the DCE for the initiative and urged livestock traders to patronise the market, adding that its success would depend largely on active participation from traders to ensure sustained economic benefits for the community and the district at large.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter; Gilbert Azeem Tiroog