The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has disclosed that the proposed Women’s Bank to be established under the government’s 24-hour economy market project in Sandema will be operated entirely by women.
According to the Minister, all staff expected to work at the bank will be women, as part of efforts by President John Dramani Mahama to economically empower women and address challenges confronting them. He explained that the bank, which forms part of the 24-hour economy market project being constructed in Sandema in the Builsa North Municipality, will provide financial support to women entrepreneurs and market women to enable them scale up their businesses.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the 24-hour economy market, the Minister said the initiative fulfills a major campaign promise made by President Mahama. He noted that the President conceived the 24-hour economy policy after extensive consultations with Ghanaians while serving as opposition leader.
According to him, during President Mahama’s engagement with residents and traditional authorities in Builsa North, concerns such as youth unemployment, armed robbery, poor roads and the vulnerability of women were highlighted. The Minister said the President did not ignore those concerns, stressing that the 24-hour economy policy and the establishment of the market are aimed at addressing some of them.
He stated that unlike the existing three-day market system in Sandema, the new market will operate 24 hours daily and throughout the week. The Regional Minister further explained that the market is expected to create jobs through increased private sector participation, while additional police and fire service personnel will also be recruited to enhance security and support night trading activities.
He thanked the people of the Builsa Traditional Area for their support for President Mahama, assuring them that the President remains committed to fulfilling his promises to the area.
