Traditional authorities in the Volta Region have been advised to strengthen collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region to ensure the successful implementation of the government’s 24-Hour Model Market initiative.

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, who gave the advice, explained that as custodians of land, the role of chiefs was critical to the realisation of the project, particularly in making suitable lands available for the construction of the proposed markets.

He assured that traditional authorities that supported the project through land acquisition would be duly recognised for their contribution to national development.

Mr Ibrahim said this during a familiarisation visit to the Volta Regional House of Chiefs in Ho recently.

The visit formed part of his nationwide engagement with Regional Houses of Chiefs to deepen collaboration and reaffirm the government’s commitment to strengthening the chieftaincy institution.

Throwing more light on the 24-hour Model Market  Economy, Mr Ibrahim said, the initiative was designed to establish modern, one-stop commercial hubs across the country to stimulate round-the-clock economic activity, decongest existing central markets, create jobs and enhance local economic development. 

24-hour Model Market

He explained that the markets would complement existing trading centres and help decongest major urban markets.

He said that, currently, procurement processes were underway to engage contractors to replicate standardised satellite market designs nationwide.

Touching on the chieftaincy institution, he reiterated the government’s unwavering respect for chieftaincy as guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution.

Describing the Volta Regional House of Chiefs as a strategic partner in governance, peace building and development, he acknowledged their role in preserving culture and customary law, resolving disputes, and promoting social cohesion in a region noted for its diversity and growing socio-economic importance.

"The Volta Regional House of Chiefs is a key pillar in Ghana’s governance architecture and sustainable development at the local level cannot be achieved without strong partnerships between government and traditional authorities," he said.

He praised the House for its role in preserving culture, resolving disputes and maintaining peace and social cohesion in the region.

Speaking on behalf of the house, the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, who is also the Paramount Chief of the Anfoega Traditional Area, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, commended the minister for the visit and appealed for the administrative needs of the newly created traditional councils to be provided for them.

He pledged the support of the members of the house to ensure the chiefs play their role effectively.