The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to urgently review its 24-hour economy market programme, raising concerns over alleged demolitions, inadequate consultation, project planning and the use of public resources.
According to the Caucus, it supports the construction and modernization of markets and does not oppose markets operating for extended hours where there is genuine economic demand.
However, addressing a press conference, the Member of Parliament for Bantama and a member of Parliament’s Local Government Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, argued that the implementation of the 24-hour economy market programme appeared to be poorly planned and insufficiently aligned with the development needs of individual communities.
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“Our concern is that the 24-hour economy market programme, as currently being implemented, appears poorly conceived, poorly planned and disconnected from the actual development needs of many communities,” Mr Asenso-Boakye said.
According to the Minority, the government must explain the needs assessments, feasibility studies and local development plans guiding the selection of communities for the 24-hour economy markets.
Mr Asenso-Boakye said district assemblies were established as local planning authorities because development projects should respond to the priorities of individual communities.
“Some districts need new markets. Others need the existing markets rehabilitated or expanded. Some already have markets under construction. Others may have more urgent needs such as roads, drainage, schools, health facilities or sanitation infrastructure,” he said.
He warned against what he described as a one-size-fits-all approach to market development, arguing that it could undermine the principles of decentralisation.
The Minority also raised concerns over reports that existing markets and other public and community facilities are being demolished or earmarked for demolition to make way for new 24-hour economy markets.
Mr Asenso-Boakye cited several examples, including the reported demolition of an existing market in the Upper Manya Krobo area and an astroturf reportedly under construction at Mampong in the Kwabre East Municipality.
He also mentioned the Enkinkiasu market in the Offinso North District, a community bank facility at Abuabo and a newly constructed school in the Ashanti Region.
According to the Minority, grading and foundation works had reportedly commenced within the school premises despite concerns over the proposed demolition.
Mr Asenso-Boakye questioned why a newly constructed educational facility would be affected when many communities continue to require basic school infrastructure.
The Minority also cited alleged demolitions and proposed demolitions involving markets, shops, homes and other public facilities in parts of the Upper West, Western North, Bono, Volta, Central and Greater Accra regions.
It said resistance from traders and residents in some communities should prompt the government to deepen consultation before proceeding with the projects.
The NPP Minority also questioned whether every proposed location has the economic conditions required to sustain a market operating throughout the day and night.
“For a market to operate successfully around the clock, there must be sufficient commercial activity, traders willing to operate at night, customers to patronise them, and adequate security, transport, electricity, sanitation, water and other supporting services,” Mr Asenso-Boakye said.
He argued that these conditions differ from one district to another and should therefore determine where 24-hour economy markets are developed.
“The question should therefore not be where the government builds a 24-hour market. It should rather be what does this community actually need to strengthen its local economy,” he said.
The Minority called for the 24-hour economy market programme to be redesigned to make it needs-based and demand-driven.
It wants existing markets rehabilitated or expanded where that would provide better value, while markets already under construction should be completed rather than demolished or abandoned.
The Minority also called for district assemblies, traders, traditional authorities, residents and other stakeholders to be meaningfully involved in decisions on the location, design and operation of the markets.
Mr Asenso-Boakye said the NPP supports investment in modern markets and stronger local economies but insisted that such investments must be based on proper planning, consultation and value for money.
“We cannot preach decentralization while imposing development priorities from the centre,” he said.
He urged the government to pause, listen to affected communities and review the programme to ensure that public resources are used efficiently.
“Build where there is a genuine need, upgrade where that makes greater economic sense, consult the project-affected people, respect local development plans, protect existing public assets and protect the public peace,” he added.