The Centre for Policy Scrutiny has raised fresh questions about the government’s rollout of 24-hour markets, arguing that the initiative risks running ahead of the production drive at the heart of the 24-hour economy.
The 24-hour economy has been described as a productivity-led programme aimed at boosting production, exports and reducing import dependence through an integrated value chain.
Executive Director of the Centre, Dr. Adu Owusu Sarkodie, says there is a disconnect between that objective and the current emphasis on building markets.
“The entire document is about economic growth and transformation,” he says, questioning why government is establishing markets before expanding domestic production.
“Why would one establish 24-hour markets to sell imported commodities?” Dr Sarkodie asks, adding: “Why do you go ahead of yourself to establish markets to sell what has not been produced, but to sell what has been imported?”
The concerns come as market women in some parts of the country have also raised practical questions about the rollout, although their positions are not uniform.
Traders in Ashaiman protested proposed redevelopment over fears of displacement and loss of livelihoods, while traders in Sunyani complained about the lack of clarity on relocation arrangements.
In Dzodze, some traders have questioned whether customers would actually patronise a new market at night.
Dr. Sarkodie, however, says government should not lose sight of another project he considers critical- the proposed voter economic corridor.
Recalling the Centre’s assessment of the 287-page policy document, he says, “even if the government fails at all, they should not fail to get this Volta Economic Corridor.”
He describes it as “a brilliant idea” because of its potential to link Ghana’s southern and northern economies.
