The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has assured residents of Pelungu in the Nabdam District that the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy will create jobs, strengthen security, and promote private sector growth when fully implemented.
Speaking during the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a 24-hour market in Pelungu, the minister said the policy was born out of extensive consultations by President John Dramani Mahama during his time in opposition.
According to him, the President carefully studied the economic challenges facing Ghanaians and developed the 24-hour market concept as a practical solution to stimulate economic activity and improve livelihoods.
He explained that the market project forms part of the broader 24-Hour Economy policy and is designed to deepen public-private partnerships while empowering women economically through the establishment of a Women’s Bank within the facility.
“The President is a visionary leader who thought through the policy and came up with the need for a 24-hour market to support businesses and create opportunities for the people,” the minister stated.
The Regional Minister said the modern market will include lockable shops, a police post, fire service post, day-care centre, cold stores, a clinic and other essential facilities to support continuous business operations.
Reiterating the slogan, “One Market, All Jobs,” Mr. Atanga said the project is expected to create employment opportunities across several sectors while encouraging private sector participation in the local economy.
He stressed that security remains a major component of the 24-hour market concept, noting that business activities around the clock would require enhanced police presence.
According to him, the current number of police personnel in the country will not be sufficient once the markets become fully operational nationwide.
“There is going to be an exponential recruitment of police officers when the 24-hour market is completed,” he said.
The minister further explained that the market’s health facility would also create employment opportunities for healthcare workers, including nurses and doctors, who would operate in shifts under the government’s broader employment strategy.
He said the policy aligns with the government’s vision of creating more jobs through shift-based work arrangements under the 24-hour economy model.
Mr. Atanga assured traditional authorities and residents that funding for the project would not be a challenge, disclosing that 25 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund has been ring-fenced to support the construction of 24-hour markets across the country.
He also expressed confidence that the project would be completed on schedule, emphasizing that President Mahama is a leader known for fulfilling his promises.
