Accra: Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has laid out a strategic plan for the Volta Region, calling on stakeholders to unite in making the region a model for Ghana's 24-Hour Economy agenda. He urged contractors, assemblies, and community leaders to ensure high-quality delivery on all 18 new 24-Hour Economy Market projects across the region, emphasizing the region's readiness to move from policy to implementation under President John Dramani Mahama's flagship economic programme.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Gunu spoke at the contract signing ceremony for these market projects, highlighting the initiative as not merely a policy direction but a practical approach to job creation, increased productivity, and inclusive economic growth. The 24-Hour Economy Market initiative is a transformative project launched by President Mahama, aiming to establish modern, round-the-clock trading hubs in all 261 districts. These hubs will include banks, storage facilities, clinics, and cr¨ches for traders' children, along with dedicated fire and police posts, to boost productivity and reduce import dependency.
The initiative is part of the broader government's 24-Hour Economy programme, designed to maximize resource utilization through shifts to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and increase productivity in the country. The Volta Region plays a crucial role in this vision, especially with the Volta Economic Corridor Project, which is expected to transform Lake Volta into a logistics and production hub.
The Regional Minister stressed the importance of transparency, quality delivery, and timely execution of the projects, urging Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to form implementation committees and engage politically with the projects. He also encouraged contractors to hire local artisans to boost the local economy, emphasizing that success depends on collective commitment.
Mr. Gunu warned contractors against unnecessary delays, stating that failure to begin work promptly would be considered an act of sabotage against the government, potentially leading to the termination of contracts. The ceremony, though brief, was significant, bringing together key stakeholders, including the Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, the Project Consultant (PPMC International Ltd), MDCEs, traditional leaders, market queens, coordinating directors, heads of departments, and contractors.
Ms. Sandra Seyram Kpedor, the DCE of Anloga, shared with the Ghana News Agency that the district's 24-Hour Market would be located on a four-acre site at the current Anloga Market. The project aims to modernize and upgrade infrastructure for continuous economic activities for traders, artisans, and young people. Meanwhile, Mr. Nicholas Kwabla Worclachie, the MCE of Ketu South, disclosed that a 10-acre plot at Glidzi, along the Accra-Aflao Highway, has been selected for Ketu South's project due to its strategic position for planned structural developments.
Mr. Dzifa Kumordzie of El-De Grandeur Consult, the contractor for the Ketu South project, confirmed that with the contract now signed, his firm is prepared to mobilize immediately. He assured that they have the financial capability, personnel, and equipment to execute the project as scheduled.