Bongase: Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has announced efforts to ensure the 24-hour market initiative becomes the most successful government socio-economic intervention programme. He highlighted the coordinated and standardised framework being utilized to execute the markets across the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ibrahim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Banda in the Bono Region, made these remarks during the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the 24-hour market at Bongase, a key commercial hub in the Banda District. He informed the media that ten consultants have been engaged to supervise the construction of markets across the country's 16 regions.
Mr Ibrahim emphasized the importance of professional and specification-compliant design, procurement, and construction processes, facilitated by the consultants. The minister underscored the necessity of a centralised implementation approach to ensure uniformity in market design and construction nationwide. He cautioned that independent undertakings by MMDAs could result in varied approaches and structures, hence the need for standardisation.
The 24-hour market projects have been designed around four models, dictated by land availability and population. Mr Ibrahim explained that the largest model requires four acres, followed by three, 2.5, and two acres for the subsequent models, with population size determining the appropriate market type.
Mr Ibrahim reported that construction work has begun on some projects, with foundation works progressing steadily. Despite the economic significance of the Bongase fishing market, the Banda district lacks adequate market infrastructure. He noted that traders and buyers from Greater Accra, Northern regions, and other parts of the country frequent the Bongase market, but current facilities are insufficient.
Having facilitated the construction of six pavilions for traders, Mr Ibrahim stressed the need for expanded infrastructure to fully unlock the market's potential. He assured that the 24-hour market at Bongase would enhance commercial activities, improve trading conditions, and contribute to the district's economic development. The project is expected to be completed within a year.