By Iddi Yire
Wa, Sept. 12, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has inspected ongoing construction works on the 24-Hour Economy Market at Poyentanga in the Wa West District as part of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper West Region.
The President commended the contractor executing the project and noted that the construction had experienced setbacks due to the clayey nature of the terrain, which required additional time to stabilise the foundation before work could proceed.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project and said the contractor was making up for lost time.
President Mahama said the strategic location of the Wa West District would enable the market to attract traders and customers from surrounding communities.
He said the 24-Hour Economy Market initiative was aimed at stimulating economic activities and promoting local development.
“Markets are the lifeblood of trade and local economic development,” he said.
“We want every district to have a decent and modern place where people can do business and where farmers can bring their produce to sell.”
Touching on road infrastructure, President Mahama said he was aware of the road linking Wa, Dorimon and Wechiau, which reconnects with the Hamile Road, describing it as an important route for the area.
He said the Minister for Roads and Highways had already inspected the road and assured him that it would be considered under the next phase of the Government’s Big Push programme.
“Since work is already ongoing on the main Sawla-Wa Road, it will be easier to vary the existing contract and extend it to cover the Wa-Wechiau road,” he said.
“We will therefore give that proposal serious consideration. The Minister also heard the appeal regarding the steel bridge, and I am confident he will act on it.”
President Mahama said with a contractor already working a few kilometres from the chief’s palace, constructing the bridge should be achievable.
He reiterated the need to decentralise development to accelerate national growth.
“We must allow the people to take their destinies into their own hands because they know their own felt needs. They know the projects that are most important to their communities.”
The President noted that previous governments retained much of the District Assemblies Common Fund at the central level, which slowed development at the local level.
“This time, I gave a directive that 80 per cent of the Common Fund must be transferred directly to the districts,” he stated.
President Mahama commended Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minister for Finance, for ensuring timely release of funds to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He said the Government had also provided clear guidelines for the utilisation of the funds towards the construction of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, classroom blocks, sanitation facilities and other essential infrastructure.
President Mahama reminded Assemblies to ensure the prompt release of funds allocated to Persons with Disabilities.
He said five per cent of the Common Fund must go to Persons with Disabilities, adding, “I want to remind every Assembly to release the funds meant for Persons with Disabilities and not divert them for any other purpose.”
The President said the Government was implementing the 24-Hour Market programme across the country and expected all Assemblies to use part of their allocations to complete abandoned projects as legacy projects within their districts.
He expressed satisfaction with the performance of most Chief Executives of the MMDAs, noting that development projects were progressing steadily across many districts.
“Wherever one goes, people can visibly see development projects progressing at a pace that gives them hope and satisfaction,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah