Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the ongoing construction works on the 24-Hour Economy Market at Nadowli-Kaleo as part of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper West Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the President commended the contractor responsible for the project, highlighting the importance of financial capability in project execution. 'We are constructing these 24-Hour Markets in all 261 constituencies, and I can see that this is a serious contractor,' Mahama stated, emphasizing the need for contractors to have the financial strength to initiate work without reliance on initial monetary mobilization.
President Mahama explained that payment is made once a contractor reaches 15 percent completion, ensuring that work continues seamlessly until project completion. He reassured that funds are available, eliminating any excuses for contractors failing to advance to this stage. Mahama praised the current progress, encouraging the contractor to maintain their momentum.
The President underscored the economic significance of these markets, which are set to enhance community livelihoods by providing reliable outlets for farmers to sell produce. The 261 markets nationwide will offer trading spaces for pepper, onion, maize farmers, and others, enabling them to display goods and secure decent incomes.
Addressing additional infrastructure needs, President Mahama responded to local chiefs' concerns regarding a bridge, instructing the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways to expedite its inspection and installation of the necessary steel components to improve area accessibility.