Mahama Urges Chiefs To Collaborate With DCEs To Drive Development

President John Dramani Mahama has called on traditional authorities to play a more active role in governance and development at the district level.

The President made the call when he met with the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs at the Presidency. He said chiefs occupy a unique position in their communities and are well placed to support development at the grassroots.

He noted that proposed reforms from the ongoing review of the 1992 Constitution could give traditional authorities a stronger role in Ghana's decentralisation process and participation in District Assemblies.

President Mahama encouraged chiefs to work closely with District Chief Executives (DCEs) to ensure that resources sent to the districts are properly utilised and result in tangible projects and improved services.

He said strengthening partnership between traditional authorities and government is key to making decentralisation more effective and responsive to community needs.

*24-Hour Markets For 261 Districts*

As part of efforts to boost economic activity, President Mahama also announced plans to establish a 24-hour market in each of the country's 261 districts.

He said the markets will provide modern spaces for farmers and traders to sell their produce and goods while stimulating local economies.

Government has already started implementing the initiative, with projects underway in several parts of the country. The President recently said the 261 markets will provide reliable outlets for farmers producing pepper, onions, maize and other commodities.

The Ahafo Region has signed contracts for the construction of 24-hour economy model markets across its Municipal and District Assemblies.

*Focus On Newly Created Regions*

President Mahama further highlighted government's commitment to accelerating development in the six newly created regions, including Ahafo.

He said the new regions require deliberate interventions to bridge infrastructure gaps compared to the older regions.

According to him, several road projects in the Ahafo Region have been captured under government's Big Push infrastructure programme, with more projects expected in subsequent phases.