Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), has called on Regional Ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to take keen interest in the execution of the government’s 24-Hour Model Market Initiative.
He described the initiative as a “visionary undertaking” by President John Dramani Mahama aimed at transforming Ghana’s local economies.
The Minister was speaking at the Orientation Session on the 24-Hour Economy Model Market Initiative for Regional Ministers and MMDCEs in Accra.
Mr Ibrahim said the initiative represented a cornerstone of the President’s broader 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, which sought to reposition Ghana as a modern, self-reliant, and globally competitive economy that operated efficiently around the clock.
He said the leadership of the Regional Ministers and the MMDCEs would determine the success of this national rollout, not as a pilot project, but as a full-scale transformation of the local economic landscape.
“The initiative aligns closely with the government’s Local Economic Development (LED) Policy (2024–2029), which emphasises infrastructure-led growth, job creation, and inclusive development,” he said.
He added that the model markets, which would be operating 24 hours a day as a modern economic hub, would be equipped with essential facilities such as cold storage, digital payment systems, sanitation blocks, childcare centres, police posts, and women’s banks.
The Minister noted that these markets would not only create decent jobs for women and youth but would also enhance trading conditions, reduce congestion, and increase revenue for local governments.
Mr Ibrahim highlighted the connection between the model markets and the government’s Big Push Agenda, which focused on massive investments in infrastructure: roads, bridges, energy, and urban systems, to support nationwide productivity.
He also outlined the specific roles expected of MMDCEs and Regional Ministers under the Local Governance Act (Act 936), including identifying zones for 24-hour operations, ensuring security and sanitation, facilitating permits, among others.
“The Regional Coordinating Councils must ensure proper supervision, standardisation, and timely execution of these flagship projects. This programme goes beyond politics, it is about building a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Ghanaian economy,” he stressed.
Mr Ibrahim urged all stakeholders to embrace the 24-Hour Model Market Initiative as a collective mission for national progress.
Alhaji Amin Abdul Rahman, the Chief Director, MLGCRA, said the Regional Ministers and MMDCEs would be taken through the various prototype designs by the various consultants.
He added that they were confident the presentations and discussions would provide a comprehensive overview of the model market designs, implementation strategies, and the strategic roles of all Regional Coordinating Councils and MMDAs.
“Therefore, your active participation and honest feedback are crucial as we move from the planning phase of this initiative to implementation phase.
“The success of this initiative depends greatly on your leadership, and we trust that the insights shared today will empower you to lead this transformation effectively within your respective jurisdictions,” he added.
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