24-Hour Market: Who Is Actually In Charge?

Ghanaians are left with a critical question: who holds the reins of the 24-Hour Markets Project? Conflicting narratives have emerged, leaving citizens confused about ownership. Since January, the government has been introducing "24-Hour Economy Markets" in various regions, promising a flagship project aligned with their election promises.

However, a deeper look reveals a disconnect between the program's intentions and the actual actions taken. The 24H+ Programme document outlines only one specific commitment: the establishment of 24/7 fish markets under the fisheries value chain. Yet, the project's wide-scale roll-out has been portrayed as a central component of the 24-Hour Economy agenda.

When pressed on August 19, Presidential Adviser Goosie Tanoh claimed the project is not under their jurisdiction, stating they do not oversee market development. This revelation has led to lawsuits regarding market demolitions, with the Presidential Adviser moving to dissociate their office from the legal battles. It raises questions about the true actors behind the project, the government's accountability, and the transparency of funding sources.

Taxpayers deserve clarity on who is truly driving the 24-Hour Markets initiative, as the government cannot reap political benefits from the project while disavowing its leadership at the first sign of trouble.