The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of undermining Ghana’s decentralisation system through what it describes as a centrally driven 24-Hour Economy Market Programme that fails to adequately reflect the distinct development priorities of individual districts.

Speaking at a press conference held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Job 600, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said District Assemblies were established as local planning authorities because development needs vary from one jurisdiction to another.

He argued that applying a largely uniform market infrastructure intervention across districts risks sidelining approved district development plans and weakening the role of local authorities in determining their own development priorities.

“Development, especially a market development programme, cannot be one-size-fits-all,” the Minority stated, stressing that imposing projects without adequate regard for district development plans “undermines the very principle of decentralisation.”

Mr Asenso-Boakye noted that districts differ considerably in terms of population, economic activity, existing infrastructure and pressing development needs. He said these factors must guide decisions on whether a district requires a new market, the expansion or rehabilitation of an existing facility, or investment in other critical infrastructure.

He further questioned the rationale for constructing new markets in areas where existing facilities could be upgraded to meet the needs of traders and residents, arguing that public investment should be guided by evidence of genuine need rather than a uniform national template.

The Minority also stressed the need for meaningful consultation with District Assemblies, traders, traditional authorities, residents and other relevant stakeholders before major market projects are undertaken.

It maintained that local communities should have a voice in determining the location, design and operation of markets, particularly where existing facilities or community assets may be affected.

“We cannot preach decentralisation while imposing development priorities from the centre,” the Minority said.

The Minority has consequently called on the government to review the programme and ensure that district development plans and local needs determine where new markets are constructed, rather than applying a centrally prescribed model across the country.

According to the Minority, a needs-based approach would strengthen decentralisation, improve the relevance of public investments and ensure that scarce public resources are directed towards projects that respond to genuine local priorities.