President John Dramani Mahama officially broke ground for a 24-hour model market in the Bimbilla township as part of the Northern Region leg of the Resetting Ghana tour. The visit focuses on engaging communities in the north while advancing development initiatives aimed at strengthening local economies and improving livelihoods.

The President acknowledged the presence of the Bimbilla Na and other prominent traditional rulers during the gathering. He stated that the project serves as a strategic componentof the National Democratic Congress manifesto and campaign during the elections.

This modern infrastructure project aims to create a continuous economic cycle within the Northern Region. The President noted that traditional markets usually operate only once or twice a week on designated market days for buyers from near and far across various districts.

His Excellency confirmed that the Bimbilla project is part of a national rollout covering 261 districts. Each facility will feature essential services including fire stations and childcare centers for traders.

The President highlighted the inclusion of restaurants and financial institutions within the market perimeter. These additions are designed to provide a comprehensive business environment for all residents and visitors.

Agriculture remained a central theme during the presidential address to the people of the Nanum area. The President emphasized that farming lacks value without a reliable market to sell harvested produce.

He described the market as the vital interconnection between the farm and the household. He also identified Bimbilla as the epicenter of agricultural production for crops like yam and maize.

Ten large warehouses are planned to ensure the safe storage and redistribution of food products. The President explained that these facilities would help farmers avoid losses during peak harvest seasons and also support redistribution and food safety.

He urged the contractors to prioritize high-quality workmanship for the long-term benefit of the community. This infrastructure is expected to serve multiple generations of traders and consumers in the region.

The President also tasked the district assembly with the rigorous maintenance of the new market facilities. A dedicated market administrator will oversee daily operations and preserve the integrity of the infrastructure.

“The market will include an office for the market administrator. It will create jobs, as there will be an administrator responsible for managing the 24-hour market, and they will ensure that the market is properly maintained.”
His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama

Plans were revealed to collaborate with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and fufu flour manufacturers on food processing. This partnership focuses on converting surplus yam into flour to increase the income of local farmers.

“In the south, plantain and cassava are the main ingredients used to prepare fufu, while in the north, yam is the staple. The CSIR, together with manufacturers, has developed flour that makes fufu preparation easier. We are also encouraging them to look into using yam for fufu so that our farmers can access larger markets for their produce. Typically, during the yam harvest season, there is such an abundance that it becomes extremely cheap, sometimes to the point where it feels like you could be pelted with it. As a result, many farmers struggle to recover their investments. So, beyond exports, which are beneficial, we must identify additional uses for yam to ensure our farmers can fully benefit.”
His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama

This initiative aimed to prevent the wastage of crops when prices dropped during the harvest. He reiterated that this was a way to ensure money circulation in the economy and to promote economic growth.

Modern Infrastructure Development Across The Northern Region

The President addressed the traditional authorities regarding the critical road networks connecting the northern districts. He prioritized the construction of the Bimbilla to Salaga road to enhance regional accessibility.

A new bridge project was also announced to shorten travel times between Zabzugu and Bimbilla. The President assured the Bimbilla Na that his administration would not neglect the developmental needs of the area.

Recent budget allocations designated nearly 50 billion cedis for the construction of 2000 kilometers of roads. These projects are being executed simultaneously across every region of the country to ensure national equity.

The President highlighted that the current administration has awarded the largest road contracts in the history of Ghana. He noted that the Nanum areas would receive a significant share of these infrastructure investments.

He later transitioned to address healthcare improvements following a recent event held in the Dodowa district. The President mentioned the inauguration of the free primary healthcare program and the distribution of medical equipment.

Over 6000 Community Based Health Planning and Services compounds are scheduled to receive new logistics. These items included motorcycles and tricycles designed to assist health workers with village screenings.

The President clarified that these tricycles were intended for transporting vaccines and medical kits. He addressed recent public discourse by stating that these vehicles were never categorized as ambulances.

The President concluded his address by thanking the residents of Bimbilla for their continued support of the government. He then officially declared the sod cutting to officially start the 24-hour economy market project.