New bakpa: A newly operational market facility at New Bakpa in the Central Tongu District is projected to become a major driver of economic activity in the enclave, offering farmers and traders an expanded platform to improve their livelihoods.
According to Ghana News Agency, constructed by the Citi FM Foundation at a cost of GH?1.3 million, the market is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, cut transportation costs, and increase household incomes by providing a ready trading hub within the community. Traders say the facility, which began operating this week, has already attracted large numbers of buyers and sellers.
'This is an important boost to our farming activities,' a local trader, Ms. Sandra Gidisu, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA). 'It saves us time and money while opening new business opportunities.'
The availability of the market is anticipated to strengthen the local economy by stimulating commerce, encouraging agribusiness ventures, and linking New Bakpa to wider supply chains in the Volta Region. Togbe Kwabla Sakpiti V, Chief of New Bakpa, described the project as a 'turning point' for the community's development. He encouraged residents of Central, North, and South Tongu, as well as neighbouring districts, to patronise the facility in order to sustain economic growth in the area.
Togbe Sakpiti also appealed for a strong maintenance culture to preserve the market for future generations, and lauded the management of Citi FM and Channel One TV for their continued support to communities in the Volta Region. He urged stakeholders to complement the investment by ensuring the facility is kept in good condition. He further called on government to speed up work on road infrastructure linking the market to surrounding communities to maximise its benefits.
Mr. Dodzi Addison Mornyuie, the District Chief Executive, gave an assurance that the government would complement the facility with better road access and consider expansion to accommodate rising trade volumes. Some residents say the New Bakpa Market has the potential to evolve into a central trading hub for the three Tongu districts, attracting businesses from neighbouring towns and contributing significantly to the region's economic growth.
The market has gender-specific washrooms and a mechanised borehole, enhancing sanitation and water access to support sustainable growth.
