Minority wants traders, residents heard before 24-Hour Market projects

The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to deepen consultations with traders and residents before implementing its 24-Hour Market Programme, citing growing resistance to the proposed demolition and redevelopment of some existing markets.

Ranking Member on Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said communities directly affected by the projects must have a meaningful say in decisions that could disrupt their businesses, livelihoods and existing infrastructure.“Government must pause, listen to the affected communities, review the programme and get it right,” Mr Asenso-Boakye said, while stressing that the Minority supports investment in modern markets where such projects are justified by genuine local needs.