President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a comprehensive set of government interventions aimed at tackling key challenges in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and the broader economy.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a 24-hour economy market at Kukuo in Tamale, the President expressed concern over food oversupply, particularly in maize and rice production.
He noted that farmers are currently producing more than the market can absorb, leading to post-harvest losses.
To address this, government funding for buffer stock operations will be doubled from 100 million to 200 million cedis to enable the purchase of excess produce.
The food, he said, will be stored and distributed to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and prisons.
Beyond storage, President Mahama revealed plans to add value to surplus produce through processing.
This includes the construction of rice mills and five maize processing factories to convert excess crops into finished goods for both local consumption and export, thereby reducing waste and boosting revenue.
On the persistent water crisis in Tamale, the President assured residents that government will fully finance a long-term solution after external funding fell through due to debt constraints.
The proposed system is expected to supply 30 million gallons of water daily. In the interim, short-term measures will include replacing old pumps to improve water flow.
In the health sector, he announced plans to install a catheterization laboratory in Tamale, which will enable the treatment of heart-related conditions locally and reduce referrals to other cities.
Touching on the economy, President Mahama expressed confidence in its stability, citing improved foreign reserves and relatively stable fuel prices despite global economic pressures.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Ahmed Ibrahim, said the government’s 24-hour economy policy—once widely criticized—is now being rolled out through the construction of modern markets across districts nationwide.
He disclosed that several districts in the Northern Region already have such projects underway, with Bimbila set to benefit from a major 24-hour market initiative.
The proposed Bimbila market will serve as a multi-purpose commercial hub operating around the clock, featuring a police post, fire station, clinic, pharmacy, information centre, parcel office, shops, warehouses, lorry terminal, crèche, women’s bank, and supermarket, among other facilities.
According to the Minister, the project is designed to create a self-sustaining economic centre where residents can trade and access essential services at any time, reducing the need to travel to larger cities.
He further stressed the importance of quality control and accountability, warning contractors against substandard work and urging strict adherence to project timelines.
Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku
