24-hour market to spur economic activities, create jobs – Linda Ocloo
Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, has said the establishment of a 24-hour market at Dodowa would expand economic activities, create jobs, increase productivity and provide opportunities for businesses.
She said the project marked an important milestone in the development of the area and had the potential to create significant economic opportunities for the people.
The Regional Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Shai Osudoku Constituency, made the statement when she addressed a gathering at the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the 24-hour market at Dodowa in the Shai Osudoku District.
The project is expected to provide a structured trading environment for market women, artisans, entrepreneurs and other small and medium-sized businesses, while supporting increased commercial activities in the area.
Hon. Ocloo said the 24-hour economy was one of the government’s priority programmes, aimed at expanding economic activities, creating jobs, increasing productivity and providing opportunities for businesses and individuals to improve their livelihoods.
She noted that the establishment of the market at the local level was a practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to translating the vision into tangible opportunities for communities.
Hon. Ocloo said as a woman who had consistently advocated the advancement and empowerment of women, she fully appreciated the importance of markets to society.
She added that for many women, particularly those engaged in petty trading, food processing, agriculture and small-scale businesses, the market served as their workplace, source of income and, in many cases, the means through which they supported their families and educated their children.
Hon. Ocloo said she attached particular importance to the development of modern, safe and well-organised markets that would provide women, young people and other entrepreneurs with opportunities to grow their businesses.
“To our women, young people, traders and prospective beneficiaries, I urge you to see this project as an opportunity to expand your businesses, create employment and contribute to the economic development of Shai Osudoku,” she said.
Hon. Ocloo commended President John Dramani Mahama’s government for making the 24-hour economy a key priority and ensuring that its implementation reached communities such as Shai Osudoku.
“I also commend the Assembly, traditional authorities, technical teams and all stakeholders whose efforts have contributed to bringing this project to this important stage,” she said.
She therefore assured her constituents of her commitment to supporting initiatives that improved livelihoods, created opportunities for the youth, empowered women and promoted the socio-economic development of the constituency.