Accra: The New Patriotic Party Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the government of allegedly undermining the principles of decentralisation in the implementation of its flagship 24-Hour Markets programme being rolled out across districts.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Bantama, addressed a press conference on Monday at Parliament House. He stated that while the initiative was intended to improve trading infrastructure and stimulate local economic activity, its current implementation risks imposing a uniform development model on districts without regard for their specific needs and development plans.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye emphasized that the 24-Hour Markets programme should not be a one-size-fits-all solution and criticized the inadequate consultation with district authorities before decisions are made regarding the location, design, and implementation of the markets. He expressed concerns over the demolition or proposed demolition of existing public and community infrastructure to make way for the new markets, questioning planning, consultation, and value for money.
The 24-Hour Markets project is a government intervention aimed at providing organised trading centers for traders, farmers, producers, and consumers to support economic activity within local communities. However, the Minority argues that the programme's objectives should not override the role of local authorities in determining development priorities.
The Caucus is calling for a comprehensive, non-partisan review of the programme to ensure it is needs-based and demand-driven. Mr. Asenso-Boakye urged the government to redesign the programme to be implemented only where a genuine need is established, guided by development plans. He stressed the importance of rehabilitating existing markets and completing markets already under construction, rather than abandoning them.
He concluded by urging the government to rely on existing district development plans and engage with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure value for money and that public resources are allocated to areas with a genuine need for new market infrastructure.