Minority criticizes demolition of public facilities for 24-Hour markets

The Minority in Parliament has criticized the government’s decision to demolish markets, schools and public facilities for 24-hour markets, citing poor consultation.

In a media briefing on September 14th, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Local Government and Decentralization Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, questioned the rationale behind pulling down existing public infrastructure for the implementation of the government’s 24-hour economy programme.

He argued that the approach risks disrupting communities and undermining investments already made in public facilities.

According to him, markets, schools and other community facilities play essential roles in the lives of residents and should not be sacrificed without a clear justification and broad engagement with affected stakeholders.

“The programme was poorly conceived and lacked adequate consultation,” Mr. Asenso-Boakye said, insisting that local authorities, traditional leaders, traders, residents and other stakeholders should have been fully involved before any demolition exercise was undertaken.

He expressed concern that decisions of such magnitude were being pursued without sufficient input from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, which are responsible for local planning and development.

He argued that bypassing these structures could create tension within communities and weaken public confidence in the programme.

The Bantama Member of Parliament maintained that while efforts to expand economic opportunities and create jobs through the 24-hour economy policy are important, implementation must not come at the cost of existing public assets.

“We support development, but development must be properly planned and must carry the people along,” he stressed, urging the government to explore alternative locations rather than demolishing schools, markets and other facilities that communities depend on.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye further called on the government to provide detailed information on the projects, including the basis for selecting affected sites and the consultations undertaken before the demolitions.