The Minority in Parliament have called government’s 24-hour markets programme an afterthought arguing the government never proposed it as part of its 2024 manifesto.
The caucus in a press conference led by Bantama Member of Parliament (MP) Francis Asenso-Boakye called the programme as non-reflective of the needs and wants in the various districts in the country.
His claims are based on what he says is the failure of government to assess the feasibility of the programme.
He says government never foresaw the programme’s strength or weaknesses as no studies on local development plans are guiding the programme’s implementation.
“The programme appears to be an afterthought as it was not presented to Ghanaians as a nationwide market infrastructure programme in the governing party’s 2024 manifesto.
“Yet government is now pursuing what appears to be a national programme of constructing 24-hour economy markets across districts regardless of their development needs,” he said.
He stated that the areas of research into population size, economic activities and existing infrastructure, adding it raises a basic question, “what needs assessment, visibility studies, and what local development plans are guiding these projects?”
He questioned the consultation mechanisms put in place by the government. According to him, District Assemblies are responsible for planning and they are in the best position to respond to development at the local governance structure.
The government has commenced the construction of 261 markets in the various 261 districts in the country. The markets will aim run 24-hours which the government says will boost the economies in the various districts by providing jobs and promoting growth.