The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, said on Friday that a proposed Women’s Development Bank, a flagship policy initiative of President John Dramani Mahama, would form part of the government’s planned 24-hour market projects across the region.
The Women’s Development Bank was one of President Mahama’s key campaign promises ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general election and is intended to improve access to credit and financial services for women entrepreneurs and businesses.
Speaking during site handovers and sod-cutting ceremonies in the Bawku West District, Bolgatanga Municipal, Kasena Nankana West District and Kasena Nankana Municipal, the regional minister said each market would include a Women’s Development Bank to complement the government’s broader 24-hour economy programme.
Hon. Akamugri said the “Market projects would be developed as integrated commercial centres designed to support continuous economic activity and expand opportunities for local businesses”.
According to details outlined by the minister during the ceremonies, each market will include lockable shops, trading stalls, a mini-mart and warehouse facilities. The developments will also feature cold storage units, a meat section and a bulk-breaking area to support wholesale trade and specialised goods handling.
He added that infrastructure to support round-the-clock operations would include police, fire and security posts, alongside clinics and pharmacies located within the market complexes.
The projects will also include social and recreational facilities such as food courts, restaurants, gyms and day care centres to support traders and customers.
