Banda: Traders in the Banda District have expressed approval of the government's plan to establish a 24-hour market at Bongase in the Bono Region. This initiative was announced by Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Member of Parliament for the Banda constituency, during his thanksgiving tour.
According to Ghana News Agency, the market is part of a flagship policy initiative by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. The aim is to set up ultra-modern markets across all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in Ghana to boost economic activity and enhance livelihoods.
Mr. Ibrahim, who also serves as the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, disclosed in an interview at Bongase that the market will be a multi-storey facility. It will include lockable shops, a police station, fire station, women's bank, cr¨che, restaurant, warehouses, pharmacy, salon and barbering shop, lorry park, and other essential infrastructure. The project is designed to provide a comprehensive shopping experience, operating 24 hours a day to facilitate continuous business activity.
He emphasized that the project would adhere to the appropriate procurement processes to ensure the selection of qualified contractors for timely execution. Construction is scheduled to commence in January 2026.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Madam Fatima Laraba, a trader, expressed her hope that the government would fulfill its promise, believing that the market will significantly enhance the livelihoods of local traders. Madam Aku Agrago from Lakpla echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential economic benefits for the district and urging for expedited construction.
Ishmeal Ahianyo, a dealer in second-hand clothing, described the project as transformative for rural trade. However, he expressed a desire for the government to ensure the project is not merely political rhetoric but a tangible development for Ghanaians.