The Minister for Local Government, Sanitation, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that the government will construct modern markets across the country to support the 24-hour economy initiative.
Mr Ibrahim said this while addressing parliament, stating that every district will be required to build a modern market to enhance commercial activity.
He said every district has been asked to identify commercial centres for this purpose and will receive 25% of DACF to develop the markets.
“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.
“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.
President John Dramani Mahama will, on July 1, 2025, officially launch the 24-hour economy policy.
According to him, the government plans to activate the Volta Lake as a major transport corridor and decentralise the implementation of the policy.
Speaking at a multi-sectoral engagement at the Jubilee House, the president stated that he has reviewed the final draft of the policy and says it is ready to deliver results.
“I have reviewed it, and I’m confident we now have a coherent and actionable framework with which to deliver the results,” President Mahama stated. “An effective catalyst for the 24-hour economy policy is a stable macroeconomic environment, which we are achieving through close coordination between the monetary and fiscal authorities.”
Additionally, the government plans to establish a 24-Hour Economy Secretariat to coordinate the rollout. “To guarantee institutional stability, I’m working with Parliament to establish the 24-hour economy secretariat as an independent authority, reporting directly to the President and backed by legislation.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
