President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring balanced national development, assuring the people of the Volta Region that they will receive their fair share of national resources and infrastructure regardless of political considerations.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the Juapong 24-Hour Economy Model Market in the North Tongu District, President Mahama said the project represents a major step in the government’s strategy to build strong local economies that create jobs and opportunities where people live and work.
He stressed that national transformation must be driven by investments that empower farmers, traders, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and young industrialists.
The President rejected the notion that any region should be taken for granted because of its voting pattern, emphasizing that his administration has a constitutional responsibility to govern fairly for every Ghanaian.
He said the government is deliberately investing in healthcare, education, roads, transport networks, markets, agriculture, agro-processing, trade and commerce across the Volta Region to improve livelihoods and stimulate economic growth.
President Mahama described Juapong as an important industrial, agricultural and commercial centre with enormous potential for trade and investment due to its strategic location along the Volta River.
He noted that farmers in the surrounding communities produce maize, cassava, rice, vegetables and other food crops that contribute significantly to Ghana’s food security, making the municipality an ideal location for a modern commercial hub.
He explained that the new market is designed to be more than a traditional trading centre, serving instead as a modern enterprise hub with facilities for storage, processing, packaging, financial services, digital commerce and efficient distribution.
According to the President, the project will reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access for farmers, provide traders with a safer and more hygienic environment, and create new opportunities for transport operators, artisans, food processors and other businesses.
He added that the Juapong market is part of the government’s flagship programme to construct 24-Hour Economy Model Markets in all 261 districts across the country to drive local economic development and expand employment opportunities.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie