Mahama Ayariga, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has announced that the government is reviewing the design and scope of its flagship 24-hour market initiative and plans to rename the project “District Model Markets”.
The Local Government Minister disclosed that the review followed consultations on how best to align the projects with available resources for their completion in two years.
Mahama Ayariga disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had already cut the sod for the commencement of the flagship markets in seven regions, noting that the projects are now at various stages of development across the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 5, Mr Ayariga stated, “Deliberations are ongoing with a view to remodelling the designs and rescoping the project to fit readily available budget and urgent need to complete the markets within two years”.
He further disclosed that negotiations had been completed to enable contractors to return to site to complete the Kumasi Central Market Phase II and Takoradi Market Circle projects.
Mr Ayairga added that the market programme would form part of the government’s broader efforts to promote local economic development and improve trading infrastructure.
In related news, Political analyst Charles Owusu has told President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise healthcare and indispensable social infrastructure over his government’s 24-hour market initiative.
According to Charles Owusu, hospitals, schools, and water facilities are more critical to survival than markets.
Charles Owusu admitted that although the initiative may be part of the government’s broader policy agenda, he insisted that district hospitals should take precedence over markets.
Speaking on a panel discussion on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, Charles Owusu stated, “Because of interest, we keep quiet when we know what the government is doing is wrong and won’t help us. You can’t survive without facilities like water, hospitals, schools, but you can survive without a market.
How can we have construction of markets as a priority? We’ve left construction of hospitals, and we’re constructing 24-hour economy markets”.
“It’s okay even if it is a policy of government, but government should prioritise district hospitals over markets. We plead with the President to seek life first,” he added.
Also, a chief in Asebu, Central Region has questioned the essence of a 24-Hour Economy market, arguing that residents in the Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese District are predominantly farmers.
According to the Chief, the Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese District is predominantly farmers, arguing that a 24-Hour Economy Market is not something they need in their district.
He further argued that none of his people will wake up at midnight just to buy koobi.
Speaking during a durbar aired by Mfantseman Radio shared on social media, the Chief stated, “A 24-Hour Economy Market is not something we need in our district. Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese District are predominantly agriculture district; we grow cassava, maize, and oranges. I don’t even know where they are taking the market. I don’t think anyone would wake up at midnight to buy koobi”.
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