Mahama inspects 24-hour market at Poyentanga, backs decentralised development
President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the ongoing construction of a 24-hour market at Poyentanga in the Upper West Region, stressing the need for greater decentralisation to accelerate development across Ghana.
The inspection formed part of the President’s two-day #ResettingGhana Tour of the Upper West Region, during which he is engaging communities and inspecting development projects being undertaken by government and local authorities.
President Mahama said Ghana could achieve faster development if resources were decentralised and communities were given greater responsibility to determine and address their own development needs.
He explained that people at the local level were best placed to identify the challenges affecting their communities and determine the projects that should be prioritised.
“If we want our country to develop at a fast pace, then the best way is to decentralise so that the people can take their destinies into their own hands because they know what their felt needs are.”
According to the President, the previous practice of keeping the Common Fund in Accra and spending it from the national capital contributed to delays in development at the local level.
He said his administration had therefore directed that 80 percent of the Common Fund be transferred directly to the districts, allowing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to implement projects based on local priorities.
President Mahama commended the Minister of Finance for ensuring that the funds were released on time, saying the timely disbursement was enabling assemblies to undertake projects across their jurisdictions.
He urged assemblies to use the funds responsibly, particularly the allocation meant for persons with disabilities.
“Five percent should go to persons with disabilities. Please, persons with disabilities, release their money. Don’t use it for anything else. Give their money to them,” he stressed.
The President also said assemblies were expected to use part of their allocations to complete abandoned or stalled projects within their districts.
He commended District Chief Executives and Municipal Chief Executives for the progress being made on such projects, noting that residents were beginning to see tangible improvements in their communities.
24-hour market to boost local economy
President Mahama also commended the contractor working on the Poyentanga 24-hour market for the progress of construction.
He acknowledged that the project encountered some initial difficulties because of the clay nature of the ground, which required stabilisation before construction could proceed.
He said the contractor was, however, making good progress and expressed confidence that the facility would be completed to serve its intended purpose.
President Mahama said the strategic location of Poyentanga would enable the market to attract traders and farmers from surrounding communities and contribute significantly to economic activity in the area.
“The 24-hour market is supposed to stimulate economic activity because economic markets are the lifeblood of trading and economic activity. So we want every district to have a decent place where people can come and do business.”
He said the facility would provide a dedicated space for farmers to bring their produce to market while creating opportunities for traders and other businesses.
