Ghana Minority criticizes 24-hour market policy

The Minority in Parliament has criticized the government’s 24-hour economy policy, specifically regarding the construction of 24-hour markets. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Ranking Member on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, stated that the success of these markets must be driven by genuine economic demand and commercial activity rather than political branding.

The Minority argued that a market cannot become viable simply through government designation. They emphasized that successful 24-hour operations require traders willing to work nights, sufficient customer patronage, security, reliable electricity, transportation, and sanitation. They cautioned against a uniform approach, noting that economic needs vary significantly between districts.

Furthermore, the Minority expressed concerns that the current rollout is ill-conceived and lacks adequate feasibility studies or needs assessments. They suggested that instead of a blanket rollout, the government should prioritize local development needs, which might include rehabilitating existing facilities or investing in roads, schools, and healthcare, rather than constructing new markets that may not be economically sustainable.