President John Mahama initiated the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market in Bole, a project he heralded as a transformative endeavor poised to invigorate trade, agriculture, and economic activity across the Savannah Region. The groundbreaking ceremony, held recently in Bole, marked the commencement of a significant development initiative aimed at establishing a bustling commercial hub.
Context of the 24-Hour Economy Initiative
The concept of a 24-hour economy market is designed to extend commercial operations beyond traditional business hours, fostering continuous economic activity. This approach aims to increase trading opportunities, improve access to goods and services, and create more employment. The Bole market is envisioned as a modern facility that will complement the existing traditional Friday market, providing a dedicated space for round-the-clock commerce.
Transformational Market Infrastructure
During the sod-cutting ceremony, President Mahama emphasized the strategic importance of the market’s location, describing it as one of the prime spots within Bole municipality. He expressed confidence that the Bole 24-hour economy market would become one of the busiest markets in Ghana due to its accessibility and design.
The comprehensive facility will integrate essential services, including police and fire stations, a clinic, and a pharmacy. It will also feature ample storage with warehouses and a cold store, alongside amenities like restaurants, guest rooms, a crèche, and banking facilities. The market’s design includes over 130 open sheds and more than 130 lockable shops, with 71 lockable shops on the ground floor and 61 upstairs. Additionally, a supermarket, two restaurants, and a 12-bed guest house are planned.
Boosting Agriculture and Trade
A key objective of the market is to provide a reliable outlet for agricultural produce such as maize, yams, groundnuts, and beans. By offering a consistent marketplace, the initiative aims to ensure farmers receive better returns for their labor, thereby strengthening the agricultural sector, a vital component of the regional economy.
Broader Development Projects for Savannah Region
The Bole market project is part of a larger government plan to construct 261 similar markets nationwide. Beyond this, President Mahama announced a suite of infrastructure and social intervention projects specifically targeting the Savannah Region.
Construction is set to begin on the Bole College of Education, which will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The GETFund has taken over the project, which will accommodate 1,500 students and include an auditorium, lecture rooms, hostels, a library, and residences for lecturers and the vice-principal.
Further bolstering healthcare infrastructure, Bole is slated to receive a new 150-bed district hospital. The region will also benefit from a new regional hospital in Damongo. Educational development continues with plans to upgrade Bole Senior High School from Category B to Category A status, accompanied by expansion works on hostels and classrooms.
The region is also set to establish a university dedicated to science and technology. Initial funding of $30 million has been secured from the Chinese government, with financing institutions preparing to provide an additional $100 million for its construction.
Additional Infrastructure and Administrative Enhancements
President Mahama also revealed plans for a modern TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) center at Kulmasa, new water systems for Bole and Damongo, and a farmers’ service center. In a move to enhance local governance, the Bole District Assembly will be elevated to municipal status, a change expected to increase its common fund allocation.
The President expressed optimism that many of these projects would be completed within his current mandate, with potential for further commissioning and groundbreaking ceremonies before 2028.
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