Abstract:
This study outlines the historical factors and processes leading to the
emergence and growth of 43 periodic market centres along the Volta Lake. The
study's methodology involved the use of base maps and on-the-spot visits to
locate the market centres, and observations and interviews at the centres. The
development of the market centres were linked to the Volta River Project which
involved the damming of the river at Akosombo in 1964 for hydroelectric power
generation resulting in the formation of the Volta Lake. The study situates the
development process within the context of the two main bodies of theory that
explain the origin of market centres and concludes that the findings tend to
unify the theories. Apart from their marketing functions, the market centres
perform other services in the Volta Lake region. In confirming these functions,
this study calls for greater attention to planning to maximize the potential of
the market centres in stimulating growth at the local level and promoting
national development.