The Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Banda in the Bono Region, addressed residents of the Upper East Region of Ghana in Bolgatanga. Speaking at the Extee Crystal Hotel during a private sector forum on investment opportunities and access to finance for women and youth entrepreneurs, he emphasized the need for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCES) to plan for a 24-hour economy in district city centers.
During the forum, themed “Accelerating Local Development: Leveraging Private Investment and Partnership,” organized by the UNDP, Mr. Ibrahim urged MMDCES to embrace the government’s flagship initiative aimed at creating a productive 24-hour economy. This initiative entails implementing shift systems in factories, extending market hours, and providing nighttime public services. The government is working to create a supportive policy environment, enhance security infrastructure, and collaborate with Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and MMDs to pilot 24-hour economic market centers, which will include facilities like a Women Development Bank.
Mr. Ibrahim stated that the 24-hour economy should be seen as a game changer. He suggested that every district should establish a 24-hour market in the city center, equipped with a 24-hour pharmacy, police station, fire station, health post, solar lighting, and kindergarten facilities. These amenities are expected to boost the local economy and help alleviate congestion in cities and large markets.
He noted, “We are designing a market that will include a women’s bank, pharmacy, warehouse, and security services, all powered by solar energy. This ensures safety and accessibility at all hours.”
The minister also mentioned a shift in procurement processes, stating, “We will not centralize procurement. Instead, we will allocate funds quarterly to ensure that 25% is dedicated to the 24-hour economic market.”
Mr. Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, highlighted the critical need to unlock the investment potential in northern Ghana and drive inclusive growth through partnerships. He stressed that this forum is both a dialogue opportunity and a call to action for government, private sector, development partners, and civil society to collaborate towards sustainable development that leaves no one behind.
He acknowledged the socio-economic challenges facing women and youth, particularly in the Upper East, Upper West, and North East regions, including limited access to financial resources and high unemployment rates. According to the Ghana Statistical Service’s 2023 Multidimensional Poverty Report, the Upper East Region has a multidimensional poverty rate of 43%, Upper West at 65.5%, and North East at 48.1%, all significantly higher than the national average of 41.3%. Youth unemployment stands at 32.8% for those aged 15-24, with even higher rates in some northern regions.
Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission, echoed the importance of ensuring that every district, regardless of its location or resources, has the necessary tools and institutional support to attract investment and create sustainable livelihoods.
She remarked on the historical concentration of economic opportunity in a few regions, noting that areas like the Upper East, Upper West, and North East are rich in agricultural potential, artisanal heritage, and renewable energy sources. Dr. Amoah emphasized that the gap between potential and prosperity is not due to a lack of vision but rather a lack of investment and coordinated local leadership.Source / mywordfmonline.com/ Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo