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Monday, September 14, 2026

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Traders, Residents’ Resistance Shows Need for Deeper Consultation on 24-Hour Markets — Asenso-Boakye

Kwaku Antwi Boasiako September 14, 2026 2 min read

The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to deepen consultations with traders and residents in communities affected by the 24-Hour Market Programme, saying growing resistance to some proposed projects highlights the need for greater stakeholder engagement.

Speaking at a press conference at Parliament on Monday, September 14, 2026, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said people directly affected by the programme must have a meaningful voice in decisions that could affect their livelihoods and communities.

He cited resistance from traders at the Nungua Market to plans to demolish the more than 50-year-old facility, noting that the traders had instead proposed rehabilitating the existing market.

He also cited protests by traders at the Kwabenya Market, concerns surrounding the Aiyinase Main Market in the Ellembelle Municipality, as well as reported demonstrations by traders at the Ashaiman and Kokomba markets over the proposed demolition of existing facilities.

Mr Asenso-Boakye added that residents of Barekese in the Ashanti Region had also threatened demonstrations over developments surrounding the proposed 24-Hour Market project, further underscoring concerns about the level of consultation with affected communities.

He said the concerns emerging from these communities demonstrated why consultation must go beyond simply informing residents and traders after decisions have already been taken.

According to him, District Assemblies, traders, traditional authorities, residents and other stakeholders must be actively involved in determining the location, design and operation of proposed markets.

Mr Asenso-Boakye cautioned that development projects undertaken without meaningful engagement with affected communities could create unnecessary social and economic disruption, particularly where existing markets, businesses and livelihoods are involved.

The Minority maintained that it supports investment in modern markets and stronger local economies but insisted that such investments must be guided by genuine local needs, proper planning, meaningful consultation and value for money.

“Government must pause, listen to the affected communities, review the programme and get it right,” the statement concluded.

Kwaku Antwi Boasiako