The Minister for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has announced a bold government directive requiring all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to allocate 25% of their 2025 share of the District Assembly Common Fund towards the construction of 24hr Economy model markets.
This initiative forms a critical part of the flagship 24-hour economy programme aimed at revitalizing urban markets and stimulating continuous economic activity.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Minister emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to modernize Ghana’s market infrastructure.
He recalled that since 2016, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has spearheaded the redevelopment of major markets including Kumasi Market, Kotokuraba Market, and Ho Market.
He stated emphatically “Consistent with this, government has directed all MMDs to allocate 25% of their share of the 2025 District Assembly Common Fund to build model markets to support the 24-hour economy flagship programme.”
The Minister highlighted that these efforts go beyond mere renovation, focusing on the creation of model markets equipped with modern facilities such as crèches, clinics, lorry parks, storage facilities, as well as police and fire service posts.
When challenged by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, over constitutional constraints, how does he implement this guidance.
The Minister responded with clarity and confidence. He cited the Local Governance Act 2016 (Act 936), which empowers the Ministry to issue guidelines on fund allocation.
He said “The laws quoted by the respected minority leader, you know very well. You have passed a law here, Local Governance Act 2016, Act 936.
“And you have mandated and directed me, as Minister for Local Government, that after you have passed the formula, I must pass a guideline. And I passed the guideline. And the guideline says that they should use 25% of that money to do it. That is the law. That is what you told me to do and I’ve done it. So what’s your problem now?
The Minority Leader also questioned the sufficiency of provision for the Women’s Bank within the 24-hour economy markets.
The Minister responded firmly, noting that “Mr. Speaker, the minority leader should be told that he approved over 50 million Ghana cedis in the 2025 budget for the women’s bank.”
He explained that the Ministry is strategically positioning these model markets to incorporate the Women’s Bank, thereby empowering women traders and entrepreneurs operating within the 24-hour economy framework.
He emphasized “Mr. Speaker, strategically, when you see government direction, you position yourself. We in Local government are positioning ourselves so that that government’s women’s bank will be brought to our 24-hour economy market being built in the city centres.”
The Minister underscored the importance of collaboration between government, traditional authorities, and local stakeholders.
Citing a recent engagement with the Omanhene of Efutu, who prioritized the redevelopment of Efutu Market, the Minister expressed optimism about the support for the initiative across constituencies.
“When I went to EFUTU, the Omanhene did not ask for anything. He asked for EFUTU market. So if I am privileged to provide guidelines and monies are being sent. And I know my minority leader, that is your constituency. So together, let’s build the 24-hour economy market.”
He announced that detailed designs for the model markets are currently under review and that a consultative meeting with experts to finalize plans.
“We want everyone on board,” he said adding “When government sets a policy, it is up to all of us to take responsibility and begin work immediately. We have already started.”
Source :www.kumasimail.com Kwadwo Owusu
