President John Dramani Mahama has launched construction of the 24-Hour Economy model market Volta Region, saying the project will serve as a catalyst for industrialization, agricultural trade and job creation under the government’s flagship economic agenda.
The market, located in Juapong, is the first of 18 facilities planned for the Volta Region and forms part of the government’s nationwide programme to build 24-hour economy markets across all 261 districts. Mahama said the facilities are intended to strengthen local value chains by providing infrastructure for storage, processing, packaging, logistics and financial services.
“We are therefore here to commence an investment that is intended not only to serve this community, but to stimulate economic activity in the entire Volta,” Mahama said during the sod-cutting ceremony.
The president said the market would be developed as “far more than a place for buying and selling,” describing it as a modern enterprise hub that would improve market access for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses and create sustainable employment.
The Juapong facility has been designated a Category Four market, a classification typically reserved for metropolitan assemblies because of its size and planned amenities. It will include 100 lockable stores, 150 market stalls, 10 warehouses, a police post, fire station, clinic, pharmacy, women’s bank branch, daycare centre, food courts, guest rooms, a livestock bay, cold storage facilities and a shopping mall.
Mahama said the project forms part of the broader 24-Hour Economy policy, which seeks to remove infrastructure bottlenecks that constrain business growth.
“The success of this policy will not be measured by the number of hours people work. It will be measured by the number of businesses that expand, the number of young people who secure meaningful employment, the number of farmers who earn better incomes, and the number of Ghanaian products that successfully compete within regional and international markets.”
He also outlined plans for the proposed Volta Economic Corridor, which will integrate agriculture, manufacturing, aquaculture, inland water transport, logistics, renewable energy, tourism and export-oriented industrialization into a single economic zone.
“Our vision for the Volta region extends far beyond these individual projects. Under the 24-hour economy, we have what we call the Volta Economic Corridor.”
The president said communities such as Juapong would become commercial and industrial hubs within the corridor because of their strategic location and agricultural potential.
Mahama also announced progress toward reviving the dormant Volta Star Textiles Limited, saying the government has selected a strategic investor following a competitive process.
“We appointed a transactions advisor, we advertised for strategic investors to apply, they applied, they submitted bids, and we have selected one strategic investor to partner us to revitalize the factory.”
He said the investor would soon visit the factory to begin designing its modernization programme, adding that the government was negotiating a memorandum of understanding with Benin to supply cotton for textile production.
“The revitalization of this factory will create sustainable jobs in the Juapong area, it will strengthen Ghana’s textile value chain, and it will reposition Juapong as a vibrant industrial hub.”
Mahama also provided an update on compensation for victims affected by the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage, saying verification and administrative processes are nearing completion.
“Once this process is finalized, the Minister of Finance made an allocation in this year’s budget to start the payment of compensation. If the money allocated is not enough, allocation will be made in next year’s budget to continue the payments.”
The president further disclosed that procurement was underway to appoint a new contractor for the long-delayed Volivo Bridge project after the previous contractor withdrew because of prolonged delays.
“I’m assured that before the end of the year that process will finish, the contractor will come and will cut the sod for the start of work.”
Mahama said traders displaced by construction of the Juapong market would receive first priority in the allocation of shops when the facility is completed, adding that the government remained committed to ensuring balanced regional development.
“We reject the notion that any part of Ghana should be taken for granted or left behind because of its electoral choices. Our mandate is to govern the country for every Ghanaian.”
