Minority demands review of 24-Hour Market programme over ‘poor planning’

The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to conduct an immediate review of the 24-Hour Market programme, claiming that its current implementation has been poorly planned and not sufficiently tailored to the needs of individual communities. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Ranking Member on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, expressed the Minority's opposition to the issue, stating that it is not against the concept of modern markets or extended trading hours, provided there is sufficient economic demand.

However, he criticized the government's "one-size-fits-all" approach, which does not consider the variations in population, economic activity, existing infrastructure, and development priorities across districts.

Speaking to the media in Parliament on Monday, September 14, Mr. Asenso-Boakye alleged that the government had not sufficiently demonstrated the needs assessments, feasibility studies, and local development plans that underpin the projects. He argued that District Assemblies should play a central role in determining whether a community requires a new market, or if resources would be more effectively allocated towards roads, drainage, schools, health facilities, or sanitation.

"Some districts need new markets. Others need their existing markets rehabilitated or expanded. Some already have markets under construction, while others may have more urgent needs such as roads, drainage, schools, health facilities, or sanitation infrastructure," he stated.

In response to these concerns, the Minority is demanding a needs-based and demand-driven approach for the 24-Hour Market programme, with increased consultation with District Assemblies, traders, traditional authorities, and residents before any further projects are initiated.