The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, has cut sod for the Savelugu 24-Hour Economy Market and commissioned a newly completed Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Pong Tamale as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and boost economic activity in the municipality.
The two projects were unveiled on Wednesday during the Minister’s visit to the Savelugu Municipal Assembly for its Accountability to the People Series.
The 24-Hour Economy Market, a flagship initiative under President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Agenda, is expected to expand trading opportunities, create jobs, strengthen agricultural value chains and position Savelugu as a key commercial centre in the Northern Region.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, Ali Adolf John said the project reflects government’s commitment to providing infrastructure that supports round-the-clock economic activity and improves livelihoods. He called on residents to protect the facility to ensure it delivers lasting benefits to the municipality.
At the accountability forum, the Regional Minister praised the Assembly for promoting transparency and citizen participation, describing public accountability as a critical pillar of good governance. He also commended the Assembly for progress made in infrastructure development and social service delivery.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Alhassan Fuseini, said the Assembly received more than GH¢14.5 million from the District Assemblies Common Fund to finance development projects and fulfil statutory obligations, including support for Persons with Disabilities.
He said the funds had been invested in key sectors, including education, healthcare, water and sanitation, road infrastructure and local economic development.
According to the MCE, the Assembly has completed classroom blocks, CHPS compounds, mechanised boreholes and school furniture projects, rehabilitated health facilities, improved feeder roads and is constructing a livestock kraal to support agricultural production.
Fuseini further disclosed that 16 communities have attained Open Defecation Free status following intensified sanitation interventions, while more than 7,300 vulnerable residents have benefited from National Health Insurance Scheme registration and renewal.
He added that the Assembly has supported 136 Persons with Disabilities with educational and livelihood assistance, enrolled 500 entrepreneurs onto the BizBox platform to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises, and facilitated the installation of 446 solar-powered streetlights across the municipality.
The Assembly has also signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of two waste treatment plants that will convert waste into gas and electricity, while seven GETFund-funded educational infrastructure projects are currently under construction.
The Accountability to the People Series brought together assembly members, government officials, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, development partners and residents to review the Assembly’s performance and ongoing development projects.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
