The government has redesignated its “24-Hour Economy Markets” initiative as District Economy Markets as part of a restructuring intended to accelerate construction and distinguish the market projects from the wider 24-hour economy programme.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga announced the changes during the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, October 5, 2026.
According to the minister, use of the term “24-hour economy markets” had created the impression that the government’s entire 24-hour economy policy revolved around constructing markets. He said the new designation better reflects the government’s intention to provide modern market infrastructure at the district level.
Under the revised programme, the government intends to provide a model market across Ghana’s 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, with projects currently at different stages of implementation. The government is targeting completion by 2028.
Ayariga said the designs and scope of the projects were being reviewed to fit available resources and enable faster completion.
The programme has consequently been divided into two phases. Phase One will concentrate on stores, sheds and essential commercial spaces required to make the markets operational. Phase Two will provide supporting facilities, including police and fire stations.
Funding for the second phase is expected to come through future allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund.
The minister also disclosed that a committee has been established to monitor the progress of the projects. Contractors found to lack the capacity to execute their projects could have their contracts terminated and reassigned to other contractors.
The restructuring is therefore more than a change of name: government says it involves changes to the design, scope, financing and implementation timetable of the market projects.
Ayariga also announced that negotiations have been completed for contractors to return to the stalled Phase Two of the Kumasi Central Market/Kejetia Market project.
The minister said approximately 60% of the second phase remains to be completed after work stalled for about two years. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has given approval for work to resume.
He also indicated that arrangements had been made for work to continue on the Takoradi Market Circle project. Clarifying the 24-hour economy concept
The renaming is significant because it draws a distinction between the physical construction of markets and the government’s broader 24-hour economy agenda.
The markets may support expanded economic activity, but Ayariga’s explanation makes clear that the 24-hour economy policy itself is not simply a programme to construct markets. The government says the District Economy Markets are intended to improve commercial infrastructure and stimulate economic activity at the local level.
For traders and communities, attention will now turn from the change of name to implementation—particularly whether the projects can be completed across all 261 MMDAs within the government’s 2028 target.
Moment of Wisdom; Time for Wisdom.
