The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over the implementation of the government’s 24-Hour Markets programme, accusing the Mahama administration of sidelining local authorities in decisions concerning the projects.

The Minority argues that while the initiative could provide much-needed trading infrastructure and stimulate economic activity, its implementation must take into account the unique development priorities of individual districts.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, September 14, Bantama MP Francis Asenso-Boakye questioned the level of consultation between the central government and district authorities before decisions are made on the location, design and execution of the markets.

According to him, imposing similar projects across different districts without considering their existing development plans could undermine Ghana’s decentralisation system.

“The 24-Hour Markets programme cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. To impose essentially the same project across districts without adequate regard for their development plans undermines the very principles of decentralisation,” he said.

Mr Asenso-Boakye also expressed concern over reports that some existing public and community facilities could be demolished to make way for the new markets.

“Even more disturbing is the demolition or proposed demolition of existing public and community infrastructure to make way for some of these 24-Hour Markets,” he stated.

He said developments emerging from some parts of the country raised questions about whether adequate planning, consultation and value-for-money considerations were being applied before projects were undertaken.

The 24-Hour Markets programme forms part of the government’s broader economic agenda and is intended to provide modern and decent trading spaces for communities across the country.

The initiative is expected to create organised marketplaces where traders, farmers, producers and consumers can operate while boosting economic activity at the local level.

However, the Minority maintains that the government’s desire to expand trading infrastructure should not come at the expense of district-level decision-making.

It is therefore calling for greater consultation with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to ensure that projects reflect local needs and complement existing development plans rather than duplicate or displace them.

The Minority’s concerns add to the growing political debate over how the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy agenda is being translated into projects at the district level.