Gov't Must Halt Demolitions And Review 24-Hour Economy Market Program – Minority

The Member of Parliament for Bantama and Ranking Member on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, has called on government to immediately halt demolitions and undertake a comprehensive review of the 24-Hour Economy Market program.

Addressing the press in Parliament on behalf of the Minority, Hon. Asenso-Boakye said the call has become necessary due to serious and legitimate concerns and growing resistance from affected communities, especially market women, over the implementation of the program.

He said reports across the country indicate that existing markets, schools, courts, astroturfs, banks and private properties are being demolished to make way for new 24-hour economy markets, in some cases without adequate consultation.

Hon. Asenso-Boakye cited the demolition of the King Kasu Market in Offinso North built in 2007, the Nandom Magistrate Court, Tendamba Primary School in Wa built in 1956, newly built markets at Inche and Wenchi, and commercial structures at Kasoa New Market and Elubo, among others.

He also noted that traders at Nungua, Kwabenya, Ellembelle, Ashaiman and Konkomba markets are resisting attempts to pull down their markets.

According to him, the pattern raises fundamental questions about planning, value for money and respect for local development priorities.

“Considering these serious and legitimate concerns and growing resistance from affected communities especially our mothers and market women, we in the Minority on behalf of the good people of Ghana call on the government to have a relook at the 24-hour economy market program,” he stated.

Hon. Asenso-Boakye demanded that government designs and deepens consultation by undertaking an immediate comprehensive and non-partisan review of the program.

“The program should be redesigned to be needs-based and demand-driven and implemented only where a genuine need has been established. Development plans must guide the selection of the projects,” he stressed.