Goosie Tanoh distances 24-Hour Economy Secretariat from market projects

Goosie Tanoh, the Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy, has clarified that the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat holds no legal authority or oversight regarding the government’s planned 24-hour markets project.

Speaking to media in Accra, Tanoh explained that the markets, intended for 262 districts, fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Local Government and district assemblies. He noted that the projects are funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund. Due to public confusion between the broader 24-hour economy policy and the specific market development initiative, the Secretariat has been named as a defendant in several lawsuits, including those involving the demolition of structures at earmarked sites.

Tanoh stated that legal counsel intends to file a motion in November to remove the Secretariat from these lawsuits, asserting they have no jurisdiction over the matters. He emphasized that while the markets are separate from the Secretariat's direct control, they could support wider economic goals by providing cooling and storage facilities to reduce agricultural post-harvest losses, which are currently estimated at 30 to 40 percent.