Govt to construct modern markets in all districts to drive 24-hour economy

As Ghana prepares to roll out its ambitious 24-Hour Economy Policy, the Minister for Local Government, Sanitation, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has unveiled plans for the construction of modern markets in every district across the country.

The initiative, he said, is central to building a vibrant, round-the-clock economy by transforming local commercial hubs into fully serviced, accessible, and secure economic zones.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, the Minister underscored the strategic importance of the initiative and expressed full confidence in its viability.

“What we are doing in every district is identifying the commercial centres. Once that is done, we can allocate 25% of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to GHC 24 million annually towards developing these commercial hubs,” he told lawmakers.

He explained that the markets will not function in isolation but will be supported by vital infrastructure to ensure they meet the needs of working families and businesses alike.

“The plan includes building schools nearby so farmers can have their children in school while they work in the markets. There will also be fire and police posts to respond to emergencies such as fires or theft. Our focus on the 24-hour economy goes beyond just providing electricity,” he stated.

The announcement comes just days after President John Dramani Mahama confirmed that the long-anticipated 24-Hour Economy Policy will officially launch on July 1.

The policy—hailed by the administration as a transformative game changer—aims to keep key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and service delivery running around the clock to maximize productivity and job creation.

The policy was first introduced by then-flagbearer John Mahama as a flagship proposal of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). With implementation now imminent, the government is moving swiftly to create the infrastructure needed to sustain continuous economic activity across the country.

As districts gear up for implementation, the success of the plan will hinge on how well local authorities execute the market projects and deliver the promised support services to make 24-hour commerce both feasible and sustainable.