The government of Ghana has rebranded its "24-hour economy markets" initiative as District Economy Markets. This decision was announced by Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga on October 5, 2026. The renaming aims to clarify that the market projects are part of a larger 24-hour economy policy. The original name had led to misconceptions that the government's flagship programme was primarily focused on markets.
According to Minister Ayariga, the government plans to complete at least one model market in each of Ghana's 261 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies by 2028. The programme is currently at different stages of construction and implementation nationwide. The Minister explained that the rebranding was necessary to emphasize the objective of providing modern market infrastructure across all districts.
The District Economy Markets programme has been divided into two phases to speed up delivery. The first phase focuses on constructing core market facilities, including stores, sheds, and other essential commercial spaces. This phase aims to make the markets operational. The second phase will concentrate on complementary infrastructure, such as police and fire stations, to support the effective functioning and security of the markets.
Minister Ayariga stated that the restructuring was intended to allow the government to complete the projects more quickly while establishing a sustainable financing framework. The government aims to achieve 100% completion by 2028. The Minister emphasized that the re-scoping of the programme into two phases will enable a more speedy delivery of the market and a more structured financing.
Funding for the second phase of the District Economy Markets programme will be sourced from future allocations to the District Assemblies Common Fund. This approach is expected to provide a sustainable financing framework for the programme. The government's goal is to ensure that the markets are completed and functional by 2028.
The District Economy Markets initiative is part of the government's efforts to provide modern market infrastructure across Ghana. The programme is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and local communities. By providing modern markets, the government aims to improve the livelihoods of traders and residents.
The government has already begun construction and implementation of the District Economy Markets programme at different locations nationwide. The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, expressed optimism that the programme will be completed by 2028. The government's efforts to provide modern market infrastructure are expected to boost economic growth and development in Ghana.
Key points
- The government of Ghana has renamed its 24-hour economy markets initiative as District Economy Markets to distinguish it from the broader 24-hour economy policy.
- The programme aims to complete at least one model market in each of Ghana's 261 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies by 2028.
- The initiative has been divided into two phases to speed up delivery and establish a sustainable financing framework.
