The Minority in Parliament has called for an immediate review of the government’s 24-Hour Market programme, citing concerns over poor planning and a lack of consideration for the needs of individual communities.
Ranking Member on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the Minority supports modern markets and extended trading hours where there is sufficient economic demand.
He, however, criticised what he described as a “one-size-fits-all” approach that overlooks differences in population, economic activity and infrastructure across districts.
Speaking to the media in Parliament on Monday, September 14, 2026, Mr Asenso-Boakye said government had not provided adequate evidence of needs assessments and feasibility studies guiding the projects.
He said District Assemblies must be involved in deciding whether communities need new markets or whether resources should instead be directed towards roads, drainage, schools, health facilities and sanitation.
The Minority is therefore demanding a needs-based approach, with consultations involving District Assemblies, traders, traditional authorities and residents before new projects are pursued.
