By Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Juapong
President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market at Juapong in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, describing the project as a major step towards transforming the area into a vibrant commercial and industrial hub.
The sod-cutting ceremony formed part of the President’s two-day “Resetting Ghana” tour of the Volta Region and marked the commencement of one of government’s flagship 24-hour economy market projects aimed at promoting production, trade, agro-processing and job creation.
Addressing a large gathering of chiefs, residents, traders, government officials and party supporters, President Mahama said Juapong was strategically positioned for accelerated economic growth because of its fertile agricultural lands, hardworking people and location along key transport corridors.
He noted that the Volta Region had made enormous contributions to Ghana’s development and assured residents that his administration remained committed to ensuring that the region received its fair share of national development.
According to the President, government would continue to invest in critical infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, agriculture, commerce and industrial development across the region to improve livelihoods and create sustainable employment opportunities.
President Mahama stressed that no region should be neglected because of its political choices, insisting that his government had a constitutional responsibility to ensure balanced national development.
He explained that the Juapong market would serve as more than a traditional trading centre, saying it had been designed as a modern enterprise hub that would support production, aggregation, storage, processing, packaging, digital commerce, financial services and efficient distribution. He said the project would provide farmers with reliable market access, reduce post-harvest losses and improve returns on agricultural produce while creating a safer and more efficient business environment for traders.
The President added that transport operators, artisans, food processors and other service providers would also benefit from increased commercial activities generated by the facility, thereby strengthening the local economy.
President Mahama announced that the Juapong market formed part of government’s plan to construct 24-hour economy model markets in all 261 districts across the country, with all 18 districts in the Volta Region expected to benefit from the initiative.
He disclosed that although Juapong is not a metropolitan assembly, government had awarded it a Category Four market—the same category allocated to metropolitan assemblies—in recognition of its commercial importance and economic potential.
The President outlined several facilities to be provided at the market, including 100 lockable stores, 150 market stalls, warehouses, a supermarket, food courts, a modern restaurant, guest rooms, office spaces, a daycare centre, a clinic, a pharmacy, a branch of the Women’s Development Bank, a police post, a fire station, livestock handling facilities, a cold store, sanitation facilities and an open retail trading area.
The Manklalo of the Dorfor Traditional Area, Torgbe Agbohla VI, commended President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as the government’s continued investment in infrastructure, education and human resource development in the district.
Delivering his welcome address at the ceremony, Torgbe Agbohla VI expressed the gratitude of the chiefs and people of North Tongu to the President for appointing their son, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as Minister for Foreign Affairs. According to the traditional leader, the appointment was a source of immense pride to the people of North Tongu and reflected President Mahama’s confidence in the capabilities of young leaders.
“We are particularly grateful for your confidence in our son, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, by appointing him as Minister for Foreign Affairs. His appointment is not only a source of immense pride to the people of North Tongu, but also a testimony to your unwavering commitment to nurturing and mentoring capable young leaders to serve our nation at the highest level,” he said.
Torgbe Agbohla VI also recalled development projects undertaken during President Mahama’s previous administration, particularly the construction of the Juapong-Adidome Road and the Juapong-Fodzoku Road. He noted that the road projects had significantly improved transportation within the district, facilitated trade and commerce, enhanced access to education and healthcare, and created greater economic opportunities for residents.
The Manklalo said the positive impact of the roads continued to be felt across the district, adding that the people remained deeply grateful for the interventions.
The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries from all walks of life including market women, party faithfuls, members of the clergy, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament (MPs) District Chief Executives (DCEs) as well as Heads of Deartments and Agencies from some of the Assemblies in the area.
