Construction of 24-hour model markets to begin in December – Local Govt Minister

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced that construction of 24-hour model markets across all 261 districts will commence simultaneously by December this year.

The project forms a key part of President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative, aimed at transforming local commerce, creating jobs, and ending unsafe street trading through the provision of modern market facilities that will operate day and night.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on the sidelines of an orientation session for Regional Ministers and MMDCEs, Mr. Ibrahim said the initiative represents a national rollout designed to modernise Ghana’s market infrastructure and stimulate economic activity at the district level.

He explained that four prototype market designs have been approved to suit different community needs and available land sizes, ranging from half an acre to four acres.

According to the minister, government has already secured funding for the project by escrowing 25 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund from four quarters. The markets are expected to be completed within 18 months after sod-cutting.

To avoid delays and stalled projects, Mr. Ibrahim noted that regional coordinating councils will jointly handle procurement processes with district assemblies. He also revealed that discussions are ongoing with banks such as the National Investment Bank (NIB) to provide additional financial support to contractors.

He added that the initiative is not only an infrastructure project but also a strategic step toward achieving the broader objectives of the 24-hour economy.

“We will make sure that by December 2027, we will be able to complete all the assemblies that are going to have land for the construction. Clearly, there are going to be land acquisition problems, but if you decentralise it, it can be done,” he stated.

“We want them to do all these by 15th December so that the President will go and cut the sod. We don’t want anybody to pull us back. The President has only four years, and within these years, he wants to leave a legacy. So, at least if we cannot do anything at all, the 24-hour economy, which is the flagship programme, must be done,” Mr. Ibrahim added.