Hassan Ayariga, the founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), has quizzed the John Mahama-led government on whether there has been a policy change following the change in terminology from “24-hour Markets” to “District Model Markets.”
According to Hassan Ayariga, the 24-hour Market concept had become closely associated with the government’s flagship 24-hour Economy policy, noting that the concept created an understanding that selected markets and commercial centres could operate beyond conventional working hours to create opportunities for businesses, traders, workers and consumers.
Hassan Ayariga argued that removing the “24 Hour” identity without sufficient explanation could create the perception that the original concept was being abandoned.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 5, Hassan Ayariga stressed that the decision to change the name or identity of the initiative must be properly explained to the public.
He stated, “If the intention of government is to broaden the initiative by developing modern model markets across the districts, then that objective should be clearly communicated”.
Hassan Ayariga further suggested that if the government intends to combine the 24-hour Economy concept with a broader district market development programme, it could consider the name “24 Hour District Model Markets.”
“We therefore respectfully ask: Is the 24 Hour Market concept still an integral part of the government’s 24 Hour Economy policy, or has there been a change in policy direction?” he asked.
“The Ghanaian people deserve clarity.”
Meanwhile, Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has explained why the NDC-led government has changed the name of the ‘24-hour economy market’ initiative.
According to Mahama Ayariga, the original name created the impression that the Mahama government’s flagship 24-hour economy programme was focused solely on markets.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 5, Mr Ayariga said the initiative has therefore been renamed ‘District Model Markets’ to better reflect its purpose.
“The use of ‘24-hour economy market’ created the impression that the flagship 24-hour economy programme was about markets. It has therefore been renamed as ‘District Model Markets,’” he stated.
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).
Ayariga added, “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.
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