Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s relevant committee, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has demanded clarity from the government on the purpose and operational plans for the construction of the 24-hour markets.
He questioned whether the markets would genuinely operate around the clock once completed and whether their construction was necessary in areas where existing markets and other facilities are already available.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, September 14, Mr Acquah also raised concerns about the demolition of existing structures to make way for some of the projects, arguing that proper planning should have preceded their construction.
“Government has to come clear with us as to why they call the markets 24-hour economy markets, whether or not truly these markets are going to operate 24 hours after they have been built, and whether or not the people they are building for do really need it,” he said.
He said in some locations, the lack of adequate land had resulted in the demolition of existing structures, including facilities he described as important, to create space for the markets.
Mr Acquah further questioned the rationale for constructing new markets in communities where existing markets are already serving residents, suggesting that other infrastructure could be more beneficial to those areas.
The 24-Hour Markets project is a flagship programme by the government aimed at providing decent trading centres for various districts across Ghana.
The initiative is expected to create spaces where traders, farmers, producers and consumers can conduct business in more organised environments while supporting economic activity within local communities.
He also called for clarity on the institutional responsibility for the projects after the head of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat reportedly indicated that the Secretariat was not involved in their construction.
“We want to know exactly where the situation is,” Mr Acquah stated.
Source: Citi Newsroom
