They demolish buildings and tell us they’re building 24-hour markets – Paul Adom-Otchere

Journalist Paul Adom-Otchere, host of Good Evening Ghana, has expressed disapproval of the government's demolition of existing structures in pursuit of its 24-hour economy policy. Addressing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional executives' election on Saturday, August 15, at Jubilee Park, he questioned the rationale behind demolishing buildings such as schools and banks to construct 24-hour markets.

Mr Adom-Otchere contended that the government's association of the 24-hour economy with markets deviated from the original idea proposed in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto. "People's buildings have been torn down and they break your building, whether it's a bank, whether it's a school, and they tell you we are building a 24-hour market," he said.

Markets have been a part of Ghanaian life for centuries, with examples like Asafo Market and Makola Market existing long before the country's independence. Adom-Otchere questioned the necessity of demolishing existing structures to create markets when such establishments already exist. He further alleged that the demolitions and the conduct of certain government officials were fueling public discontent with the administration.

These remarks come as the government pursues its 24-hour economy agenda, a key policy aimed at stimulating economic activity, employment, and productivity. Adom-Otchere stated that the actions were being scrutinized by voters, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which could have political implications for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).