The Kassena-Nankana West District Assembly in the Upper East Region has inaugurated its first-ever livestock market at Nania-Paga to boost local economic activities and position the border town as a major livestock trading hub in the region and beyond.
The market, which is expected to serve traders from across Ghana and neighbouring Burkina Faso, was inaugurated by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Stephen Aeke Akurugo, last Saturday, amid excitement from residents and livestock traders.
Ceremony
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr Akurugo described the project as a response to long-standing concerns raised by livestock traders and the Paga Youth Movement over the absence of a formal animal market at Paga.
According to him, many livestock traders from the area had for years travelled to other towns, including Navrongo, to buy and sell animals, despite Paga being one of the major livestock-producing areas in the region.
Response to concerns
Mr Akurugo said shortly after assuming office, several stakeholders visited him to discuss the need for an animal market at Paga.
Stephen Aeke Akurugo, DCE for Kassena-Nankana, addressing the community during the inauguration of the market
He explained that the concerns were later reinforced by the Paga Youth Movement, which formally petitioned the assembly to establish the facility.
“I have had several people who spoke to me about Paga not having an animal market.
When the Paga Youth Movement also came with the same concern, we had to listen because this government is listening,” he said.
The DCE said after engaging livestock traders and other stakeholders, the assembly decided to operationalise the project to stimulate economic growth in the area.
Optimism
He expressed optimism that the market would attract traders from across the district and neighbouring communities, increase commercial activities and improve livelihoods.
“We all know the importance of this market to Paga and the district. Most of you will do your business here, while others will bring animals from across the district to sell here. It will boost the local economy of Paga and that of the district as a whole,” he stated.
Responding to the demands of the assembly member for the area for the fencing of the place and the provision of electricity, sheds, and a mechanised borehole, the DCE disclosed that the current project represented only the first phase of development.
He explained that the assembly intended to undertake additional investments once the viability of the market was established.
“Every business starts small.
We want to see how the market progresses before we further invest in it,” he explained.
Appreciation
The Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement, Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, said the idea for the market originated from discussions on the group’s WhatsApp platform.
He said the leadership of the movement engaged livestock traders and later presented the proposal to the DCE, who welcomed the initiative.
“We are very grateful that today we are witnessing this historic moment.
This market will boost the economy of the district and also create livelihoods for the people around and beyond,” he stated.
Mr Aborah urged traders in Ghana and neighbouring countries to patronise the market, describing it as a facility open to all.
“This market is not only for Paga people. It is open to everybody beyond the boundaries of Ghana,” he said.
The Assembly member for the Nania Electoral Area, Seroyo Kawiabu, commended the DCE for the initiative and urged livestock traders to patronise the market.
