Nania (U/E), May 13, 2026 – Mr Nikyema Billa Alamzy, the Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga Constituency, says the government’s 24-hour economy market initiative is a strategic investment aimed at positioning border communities in northern Ghana to take advantage of expanding trade opportunities within the Sahelian market.
According to him, the establishment of modern market infrastructure in the area would reduce the need for traders from neighbouring Burkina Faso and other Sahel countries to travel to cities such as Tamale, Kumasi, and Accra to access goods and services.
Mr Alamzy said this during the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a 24-hour economy market at Nania, a suburb of Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.
“We all know that most Burkinabes buy their products from Tamale, Kumasi, and Accra, but when we have a market like the 24-hour market here, many of them will not have the zeal to travel that far when they can get the products here,” he said.
The MP explained that the strategic location of the district near the Burkina Faso border placed it in a better position to benefit from cross-border trade than many other districts in the country.
He noted that the market would create opportunities for women traders and local businesses to expand their operations and improve their competitiveness through modern trading systems.
“This market is going to boost the strength and marketing skills of our women and ensure economic growth in the district,” he added.
Mr Alamzy encouraged residents to take advantage of trading opportunities with neighbouring communities and towns in Burkina Faso, including Pô, Manga, and Kaya, saying the people in those areas depended heavily on goods from Ghana.
He further described the project as an innovative market concept that would modernise traditional trading practices and improve commercial activities in the district.
Mr Alamzy, however, stressed the need for complementary infrastructure such as electricity and security to ensure the successful operation of the market.
“If you have a 24-hour market and the energy infrastructure is not there, definitely it is going to affect its operation,” he said, and appealed to government to provide transformers, electricity poles, and wiring to support the facility.
He also underscored the importance of adequate security at the market to protect traders and maintain law and order.
“You cannot have a market like this without top-notch security. Adequate security is needed to keep everybody in check and ensure the smooth operation of the market,” he said.
Mr Alamzy said the market project formed part of promises made by the government to the people during the 2024 general election campaign and assured residents that the government remained committed to delivering on its pledges.
He also commended President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Education for facilitating the absorption of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) school in the area into the public system after years of appeals.
The MP further assured residents that government would continue ongoing projects such as Agenda 111 and infrastructure development at the Paga Senior High School to improve education and healthcare delivery in the constituency.
When completed, the 24-Hour Market would comprise 21 facilities and components including lockable shops, sheds and stalls, food courts, cold stores, warehouses, washrooms, restaurants, a pharmacy, clinic, daycare centre, gymnasium, police and fire service posts, a meat section, Women Development Bank, waste management area and parking spaces.
The project forms part of the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Initiative aimed at stimulating economic growth, promoting trade and industrial activity, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
Source: GNA