The Deputy Minister for Health and Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency in the Western Region, Dr  Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has held an interactive session with traders at the Kojokrom Market to discuss the government’s proposed 24-Hour Economy initiative.

The engagement focused on the policy direction championed by President John Dramani Mahama, which seeks to expand economic activity by extending trading hours, improving security, enhancing access to utilities and creating more income-generating opportunities.

Addressing the traders, Dr. Ayensu-Danquah explained that the 24-Hour Economy initiative is designed to create sustainable jobs and boost incomes, particularly for market women and men who form a critical part of the local economy.

She emphasised that the policy must reflect the practical realities of those it is intended to benefit, noting that she carefully listened to the concerns, ideas and expectations shared by the traders during the interaction.

The Deputy Minister described traders as the backbone of the local economy in Essikado-Ketan and expressed optimism that, through collaboration, the initiative would translate into tangible growth, decent employment and improved livelihoods for families in Kojokrom and surrounding communities.

The engagement forms part of ongoing consultations aimed at ensuring broad stakeholder input into the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy policy.