Gov’t renames 24-hour economy markets as District Economy Markets, targets 100% completion by 2028

The government has renamed its “24-hour economy markets” initiative as District Economy Markets, with a target of completing projects in all 261 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies by 2028.

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga said the rebranding was necessary to distinguish the market initiative from the government’s broader 24-hour economy policy.

“You notice I didn’t say 24-hour economy markets. The use of the 24-hour economy markets has tended to create the impression that the whole thing about the government’s flagship programme of 24-hour economy is about markets,” he said.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 5, 2026, Mr Ayariga said the redesigned programme would establish a model market in each district.

He said work on the projects was already underway, with the various markets currently at different stages of construction and implementation.

To improve the pace of delivery, the government has also divided the programme into two phases and introduced a more structured financing arrangement.

The first phase will involve the construction of market stores, sheds and other core commercial facilities, while the second phase will focus on complementary infrastructure such as police and fire stations.

“We re-scoped it into two phases to enable a more speedy delivery of the market and a more structured financing to achieve 100% completion by 2028,” Mr Ayariga said.

He explained that funding for the second phase would subsequently come from future allocations to the District Assemblies Common Fund.

The minister said the initiative was designed to provide modern market infrastructure across the country and strengthen economic activity at the district level.