ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN MOTION: MAHAMA LAUNCHES 24-HOUR MARKET REVOLUTION IN DORMAA AHENKRO

By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada

President John Dramani Mahama has officially broken ground for the construction of a 24-hour economy model market in Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region, marking a significant step toward modernising Ghana’s local commerce and expanding economic activity nationwide.

Speaking at the ceremony on Wednesday, March 18, the President indicated that this initiative is not limited to Dormaa alone but forms part of a broader national agenda. According to the presidency, the project will be replicated across all 261 districts in Ghana, reinforcing a nationwide shift toward a more active, round-the-clock economic system.

The proposed markets are designed to go beyond traditional trading spaces. They will include critical facilities such as banking services, cold storage units, daycare centres, police and fire stations, clinics, and other essential amenities aimed at supporting both traders and surrounding communities.

During his visit, President Mahama also inspected ongoing infrastructure projects, including the 80-kilometre Jinijini-Sampa Road and the Sunyani Outer Ring Road. He stressed the importance of strong transport networks in enhancing trade efficiency and improving mobility across regions.

Highlighting the country’s recent economic performance, the President pointed to significant improvements in key indicators. He noted that inflation has dropped from 23.4 percent to 3.3 percent, while the Ghana cedi has appreciated from around GH¢16-GH¢17 to approximately GH¢10.70 against the US dollar. These gains, he emphasized, must be sustained to protect the economy from external shocks and ensure long-term stability.

The 24-hour economy market initiative forms a central part of the administration’s development strategy, aimed at strengthening trade infrastructure, boosting local economies, and delivering practical economic benefits to citizens across the country.

 Commentary | Boakye Stephen:

From a critical standpoint, this initiative represents more than infrastructure development, it signals a structural shift in Ghana’s economic philosophy. Moving toward a 24-hour economy suggests an intentional effort to maximise productivity, reduce unemployment, and decentralise economic opportunities.

However, its long-term success will depend on effective implementation, security, reliable power supply, and strong institutional management. Without these, the vision risks remaining ambitious on paper but limited in impact on the ground.

If executed well, this could redefine local economies in Ghana, turning markets into integrated economic hubs that operate beyond daylight limitations, positioning Ghana as a forward-thinking economy within the African region.