Minority questions demolition of markets under 24-hour economy programme

The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over the government’s implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Market Programme, particularly the decision to demolish some existing markets and public facilities to make way for new projects.

Speaking to the media in Parliament, the Ranking Member of the Local Government Committee and Bantama MP, Francis Asenso-Boakye, called on the government to undertake further consultations and needs assessments before proceeding with the demolition of existing market structures.

According to him, the Minority is not opposed to the construction or modernisation of markets, but believes the government’s approach must be based on the actual needs and development priorities of individual communities.

‘We need proper consultation’

Asenso-Boakye argued that different districts have different development needs and therefore should not be subjected to a uniform market-development model.

He said while some communities may genuinely require new markets, others may need their existing markets rehabilitated, expanded or upgraded.

“Development, especially a market development programme, cannot be one-size-fits-all,” he argued.

The former minister questioned whether adequate needs assessments, feasibility studies and local development plans had been conducted before the projects were rolled out.

Minority questions demolition of existing facilities

The Bantama MP also questioned the rationale behind demolishing existing markets and other public facilities when alternative approaches could potentially achieve the same objective without disrupting traders and communities.

He maintained that government must properly investigate the condition and capacity of existing facilities before deciding to demolish them.

The Minority’s position comes amid growing attention to the government’s 24-hour economy initiative and the construction of markets intended to support economic activity beyond traditional trading hours.

‘Not every district needs a new market’

According to Asenso-Boakye, some districts already have markets under construction, while others may have more urgent needs such as roads, drainage systems, schools, healthcare facilities and sanitation.

He therefore urged the government to engage District Assemblies and other local stakeholders before making decisions on where and how the markets should be developed.

He stressed that District Assemblies are planning authorities within their jurisdictions and should have a meaningful role in determining projects that affect their communities.

Minority calls for review

The Minority is consequently calling for a review of aspects of the 24-Hour Economy Market Programme that involve the demolition of existing structures.

Asenso-Boakye said the government must demonstrate that the projects are supported by proper planning and evidence of need rather than being implemented as a blanket national policy.

He further warned that failure to adequately consult local authorities and affected communities could undermine the principles of decentralisation.

The Minority’s concerns are likely to intensify the debate over how the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy should be implemented, particularly where existing public assets, traders and local communities are directly affected.

For the Minority, the objective of modernising Ghana’s markets is not in dispute — the concern is whether the government is demolishing first and planning later, rather than allowing proper consultation and evidence-based planning to guide the process.