Goosie Tanoh, the Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, has publicly distanced his office from the government’s controversial 24-Hour Markets project. He stated clearly that the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat holds no responsibility for market development decisions.
Mr. Tanoh explained that his secretariat is not involved in the planning or execution of the market initiative. He emphasized that the Secretariat has no role in market development. This clarification comes amid growing public debate surrounding the project, particularly concerning site selection and the demolition of existing structures.
The 24-Hour Markets project is a component of the broader 24-Hour Economy programme. This larger economic vision aims to boost productivity and create jobs by extending business hours. However, the market-specific initiative has faced criticism and legal challenges. The distinction made by Mr. Tanoh highlights potential coordination issues within government projects.
“The 24-Hour Markets Project is not our responsibility. We are not involved in market development. We don’t know anything about that,” Mr. Tanoh stated at a media briefing on August 19. He further revealed that his secretariat has been sued over building demolitions. This occurred despite their complete lack of involvement in the project’s operational aspects.
This situation creates significant implications for public trust and government accountability. Citizens affected by demolitions may struggle to identify the correct responsible authority. The legal actions against the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat underscore this confusion. Mr. Tanoh confirmed his lawyer would seek to remove their names from these lawsuits. This move aims to rectify the misdirection of legal challenges.
Mr. Tanoh clarified that the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is responsible for the 24-Hour Markets project. He added that the markets receive funding from the District Assemblies Common Fund. This funding mechanism further separates the project from his secretariat’s mandate. The District Assemblies Common Fund provides financial resources to local government units. This supports various development projects at the local level. Therefore, local assemblies play a direct role in these market developments.
The government faces increased scrutiny over the 24-Hour Markets initiative. Concerns include the selection of suitable sites and the impact of demolishing existing structures. The involvement of local authorities in these processes has also drawn public attention. Mr. Tanoh’s comments are crucial for establishing a clear boundary. They distinguish the flagship 24-Hour Economy policy from the separate 24-Hour Markets initiative. This distinction is vital for effective governance and public communication. It helps to prevent further confusion among the public and stakeholders.
Investors and businesses watching Ghana’s economic policies will note this clarification. Clear lines of responsibility are essential for project implementation and investor confidence. The government must ensure transparent communication regarding project oversight. This will prevent similar misunderstandings in future large-scale initiatives. The focus remains on the successful implementation of the broader 24-Hour Economy. However, the market project’s challenges highlight the need for precise departmental mandates. This ensures efficient execution and avoids legal complications. The public will watch closely for further developments regarding these market projects.