𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗔 𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗦 𝗦𝗢𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟰-𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗜𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗔 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗘, 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗗𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

The events formed part of the President’s two-day working visit to the Northern Region and attracted traditional authorities, government officials, Ministers of state, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), traders, youth groups, and residents.The ceremonies marked a significant step in the government’s broader agenda to transform regional economies and improve livelihoods across the country.

At Bimbila, the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, welcomed the President and described the project as a major boost to economic development in the area and its surrounding communities. He explained that the initiative forms part of a strategic effort to promote round-the-clock economic activities, enhance productivity, and expand opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises.

Hon. Ali Adolf John disclosed that ahead of the ceremony, he had personally visited Bimbila to ensure all preparatory processes were completed. “Just last week, I was here to officially hand over the site to the contractor in preparation for today’s sod-cutting ceremony,” he noted, underscoring government’s commitment to fast-tracking the project.

He used the platform to caution the contractor to strictly adhere to quality standards and timelines. According to him, the expectations of the people are high and must not be compromised.

“We expect this project to be executed with the highest level of professionalism and within the stipulated timeframe. There should be no compromise on quality. Any attempt to deliver substandard or shoddy work will not be tolerated,” he warned.

The Regional Minister further pledged his full support to ensure the successful completion of the project and assured the President and residents that his office would work closely with all stakeholders to monitor progress and promptly address any challenges. He also called on the chiefs and people of Bimbila to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure smooth execution.

He concluded his remarks by formally inviting President John Dramani Mahama to deliver his keynote address and perform the sod-cutting ceremony for the commencement of the project.

Delivering his keynote address, President Mahama reiterated his government’s commitment to equitable development and strengthening local economies through strategic infrastructure investments. He explained that the 24-hour economy market initiative is designed to stimulate economic activities across all parts of the country.

“One of the key ways to stimulate economic activity and ensure the circulation of money within the country is through the development of markets. That is why government has decided that all the 261 districts will benefit from the 24-hour economy policy,” he stated.

The President also assured the Regent of Bimbila that the area would benefit from the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme.

Highlighting ongoing national infrastructure efforts, President Mahama revealed that since the 2025/2026 fiscal period, government has awarded the largest number of road contracts in Ghana’s history since independence. He disclosed that nearly GH¢50 billion has been allocated in the national budget to finance the construction of close to 2,000 kilometres of roads simultaneously, with every region benefiting from the initiative.

On healthcare, the President clarified aspects of the Free Primary Health Care programme, explaining that tricycles and motorbikes being distributed under the initiative are not ambulances, but are intended to support outreach services, vaccination delivery, and community-based preventive healthcare.

Before departing Bimbila, President Mahama also inspected a newly constructed 300-capacity girls’ dormitory at the Bimbila College of Education, reaffirming his government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and expanding access to quality learning facilities for students, particularly young women.

Following the inspection, the President proceeded to Tamale, where he cut sod for the construction of another 24-hour economy market at Kukuo.

At Tamale, chiefs and residents expressed gratitude to the President for the intervention but raised concerns about the persistent water crisis affecting the metropolis.

In response, President Mahama assured the chiefs and people of the Northern Region of his government’s commitment to resolving the water challenges.

“I want to assure the people of Tamale that if I do not fix this water problem, no one else will come and do it,” he declared.

The ceremonies ended on a high note, with renewed optimism among residents that the projects will usher in a new era of economic transformation for Bimbila, Tamale, and the Northern Region as a whole.

The President’s working tour is expected to continue on Sunday, April 19, 2026, with further engagements across the region.