Minority accuses government of undermining decentralisation

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) minority in Parliament has criticized the government's implementation of the 24-Hour Markets programme, alleging that it undermines Ghana's decentralisation principles. In a press conference at Parliament House, Francis Asenso-Boakye, the NPP MP for Bantama, stated that the programme risks imposing a uniform development model across districts without considering their individual needs and plans.

Asenso-Boakye emphasized that the project cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution and called for more adequate consultation with district authorities regarding its location, design, and implementation. He also expressed concern over the demolition or proposed demolition of existing infrastructure to accommodate the markets, questioning the government's planning, consultation, and value for money.

The 24-Hour Markets project, a flagship initiative by the government, aims to provide organized trading centers for traders, farmers, producers, and consumers, thereby boosting local economic activity. However, the minority party argues that the programme's objectives should not supersede the role of local authorities in determining development priorities.

Asenso-Boakye urged the government to conduct a comprehensive, non-partisan review of the programme and redesign it to be needs-based and demand-driven. He advocated for using existing district development plans, rehabilitating existing markets where necessary, and only constructing new markets where there is a genuine need.