The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, on Friday, April 10, 2026, cut sod for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market at Saboba in the Saboba District, marking a significant step toward enhancing local economic activity and livelihoods.
The Minister performed the ceremony on behalf of the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, as part of governmentβs broader agenda to operationalize the 24-hour economy policy across the country.
The event, which attracted chiefs, opinion leaders, and residents, followed a welcome address delivered by the District Chief Executive for Saboba, George Wumbei Bilimor, who spoke on behalf of the chiefs and people of the district. He expressed gratitude to the government for prioritizing Saboba in its development agenda and described the project as timely and transformative.
In his remarks, Hon. Ali Adolf John emphasized that the construction of the market is a strategic intervention aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the livelihoods of the people. He noted that the 24-hour economy initiative is designed to extend business hours, increase productivity, and provide continuous opportunities for traders, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
He highlighted the agricultural potential of the Saboba District and explained that the new market would serve as a vital hub for the sale and distribution of farm produce. According to him, the facility will help reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access, and connect local producers to broader markets.
βThe 24-hour economy market is not just an infrastructure project; it is a catalyst for economic transformation. It will empower our farmers, traders, and youth to expand their economic activities and improve their incomes,β the Minister stated.
Hon. Ali Adolf John reaffirmed governmentβs commitment to equitable development and assured the people that the project would be executed with strict supervision to ensure quality and timely completion. He called on the contractor to deliver work that meets the highest standards and urged the community to support and cooperate throughout the construction period.
He further appealed to traditional authorities and residents to take ownership of the project and safeguard it for future generations, stressing that its success depends on collective responsibility.
The Minister also encouraged traders and small business owners to prepare to take full advantage of the opportunities the facility will provide, particularly by embracing innovation and maintaining high standards of sanitation and service delivery.
Addressing the youth, he underscored the employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that would arise from the project and urged them to position themselves to benefit from the initiative.
The sod-cutting ceremony forms part of a series of similar projects being rolled out across the Northern Region aimed at deepening economic activity under the governmentβs flagship 24-hour economy policy.
Residents of Saboba expressed optimism that the project, when completed, would significantly improve trading conditions, boost local commerce, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the district.