Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, has publicly questioned the government’s 24-hour market initiative. He argues that constructing market infrastructure alone will not automatically lead to round-the-clock economic activity across Ghana.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, stated that the government must address fundamental issues limiting nighttime trading. These include consumer demand, the viability of businesses operating extended hours, and ensuring adequate security for traders and customers. He emphasized that without these foundational elements, new market structures will remain underutilized.
This critique comes amidst broader discussions about Ghana's economic strategy and project continuity. The government's focus on new interventions like the 24-hour market has drawn scrutiny, especially when previous administrations' initiatives, such as the Automotive Industrial Development Policy and the One District One Factory (1D1F) programme, have reportedly been sidelined. This raises concerns about efficient resource allocation and the long-term impact on industrial growth.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah highlighted trading patterns in his own constituency. He noted that market activities in Ofoase Ayirebi often conclude early, sometimes by 5pm or 8pm, despite existing facilities. He questioned, “In Ofoase Ayirebi, the market day is once a week. On the other days, by 5pm and 8pm, people have started packing. So what makes you think that merely by constructing a 24-hour market now, people will trade for 24 hours?”
The former Information Minister also criticized the government for its perceived failure to complete inherited projects, citing the Agenda 111 hospital project as an example. He pointed out that President John Dramani Mahama had pledged to complete Agenda 111 during his campaign to create employment for nurses. Mr. Oppong Nkrumah asserted that the Constitution obligates any incoming government to complete projects initiated by its predecessors, ensuring continuity and responsible use of public funds.
He attributed delays in completing government projects to what he described as poor management of revenue measures. This mismanagement, he suggested, impacts the funding and progress of flagship programmes. He specifically mentioned the Nkoko Nkitinkitin initiative, which was intended to reduce Ghana’s poultry import bill, noting that data indicates the policy is not being adequately funded.
The implications of this debate extend to public finance and economic planning. If new projects are prioritized over existing ones without clear economic justification, it could lead to inefficient spending of taxpayer money. Decision-makers will need to demonstrate how the 24-hour market initiative will genuinely stimulate economic growth and create jobs, rather than just adding infrastructure. Markets and citizens will watch for concrete plans addressing security, demand, and business incentives.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah concluded that the government’s current approach risks moving in circles rather than effectively addressing the country’s pressing economic challenges. He stressed the importance of data-driven policy decisions and sustainable funding for initiatives. The effectiveness of the 24-hour market concept will depend on a holistic approach that considers all factors beyond just physical construction.