Poyentanga: 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 stabilize the foundation before work could proceed.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project and said the contractor was making up for lost time. He highlighted the strategic location of the Wa West District, which would enable the market to attract traders and customers from surrounding communities. The 24-Hour Economy Market initiative aims to stimulate economic activities and promote local development. President Mahama emphasized the importance of markets as vital components of trade and local economic development, advocating for every district to have a modern space for business transactions and agricultural sales.
Addressing road infrastructure concerns, President Mahama acknowledged the importance of the road linking Wa, Dorimon, and Wechiau, which reconnects with the Hamile Road. He mentioned that the Minister for Roads and Highways had inspected the road and assured him of its consideration under the Government's Big Push programme. He expressed confidence that extending the existing Sawla-Wa Road contract to cover the Wa-Wechiau road would be feasible. Additionally, he conveyed optimism about the construction of a steel bridge, given a contractor's proximity to the project site.
President Mahama reiterated the significance of decentralizing development to accelerate national growth, emphasizing empowering local communities to address their unique needs. He criticized previous governments for centralizing much of the District Assemblies Common Fund, which delayed local development. He directed that 80 per cent of the Common Fund be transferred directly to districts to enhance local project implementation.
The President commended Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minister for Finance, for ensuring timely fund releases to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). He outlined the Government's guidelines for utilizing these funds towards essential infrastructure development, including Community-based Health Planning and Services compounds, classrooms, and sanitation facilities. He urged Assemblies to promptly release funds allocated to Persons with Disabilities, stressing that five per cent of the Common Fund should be dedicated to them.
In conclusion, President Mahama highlighted the nationwide implementation of the 24-Hour Market programme, expecting Assemblies to use part of their allocations for completing abandoned projects as legacy initiatives. He expressed satisfaction with the performance of most Chief Executives of the MMDAs, noting visible development progress across various districts, inspiring hope and satisfaction among the populace.