By Philip Antoh
In a push to activate President Mahama’s flagship 24-Hour Economy agenda, Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim has announced that construction of 24-Hour Model Markets will begin simultaneously across all 261 districts by mid-December.
Speaking at a media briefing following an orientation for Regional Ministers and MMDCEs in Accra, Ibrahim said the initiative is designed to overhaul local commerce, curb street trading, and create thousands of jobs by establishing modern, round-the-clock market hubs tailored to community needs.
“This is not just about infrastructure it’s about transforming local economies,” the Minister declared.
Four prototype designs have been approved, ranging from half-acre to four-acre layouts, to accommodate varying land sizes and urban-rural dynamics.
The government has earmarked 25% of the District Assemblies Common Fund from four quarters to finance the rollout, with a strict 18-month completion timeline following the sod-cutting.
To avoid procurement bottlenecks and stalled projects, Ibrahim said regional coordinating councils will work directly with district assemblies, while banks like NIB are being tapped to support contractors.
The Minister was candid about the political urgency behind the initiative. “We want everything ready by December 15 so the President can cut the sod. He has only four years, and this flagship program must be delivered,” he said.
Ibrahim acknowledged potential land acquisition challenges but insisted that decentralizing the process would help resolve them. “We’re not waiting for perfection. We’re moving,” he added.
The 24-Hour Model Markets are expected to reflect Ghanaian cultural aesthetics while boosting productivity and formalizing the informal sector. Officials say the markets will be equipped with lighting, security, sanitation, and digital payment systems to support continuous operations.
If successful, the initiative could redefine how Ghana’s districts engage in commerce and serve as a cornerstone of the 24-Hour Economy vision.