Member of the NDC National Communication Team, Abdulai Sakra Alhassan, has moved to reassure traders opposing the demolition of existing markets under the government’s 24-Hour Economy project, insisting that any demolition exercise would be carried out in a planned and consultative manner rather than arbitrarily.
Addressing concerns raised by traders over the initiative, Mr Alhassan clarified that the 24-Hour Economy policy does not mean forcing Ghanaians to work around the clock, but rather involves building the infrastructure needed to allow businesses that wish to operate at night to do so safely and conveniently.
Mr Alhassan explained that, in the context of markets specifically, the policy is about equipping trading spaces with lighting, security, and sanitation services capable of supporting operations at night, rather than requiring every trader to be present in the market at all hours.
“It is not that everybody must be in the market at 2am. It is about creating the infrastructure that allows businesses and people who want to operate at night to be able to do so safely and conveniently.”
Abdulai Sakra Alhassan
He acknowledged that traders’ concerns about demolition are understandable, given that no one wants their livelihood disrupted, but stressed that the broader intent behind the project is to upgrade existing markets and construct new ones where necessary, rather than simply displacing traders without a clear plan for their continued operation.
Concerns Over Lack of Consultation
Responding to reports that traders had not been properly consulted before receiving demolition notices, Mr Alhassan conceded that the concern was fair, agreeing that stakeholder engagement remains a critical component of any project of this nature.
He explained that traders, market associations, and local authorities must be brought on board from the outset whenever such projects are being planned, adding that where this engagement has not taken place, it represents a gap that needs to be corrected by the responsible institutions.
“Without the buy-in of the traders, the project will not succeed. The twenty-four hour economy is for the people. It must be with the people.”
Abdulai Sakra Alhassan
He called on the Ministry and local assemblies involved in implementing the project to return to affected communities and properly engage traders going forward, rather than proceeding with demolition notices without adequate prior consultation.
Infrastructure Upgrades Central To The Project
Mr Alhassan stressed that the infrastructure component of the 24-Hour Economy project remains essential, arguing that night trading cannot realistically take place without adequate lighting, security, water supply, and waste management systems in place.
He explained that part of the ongoing work involves ensuring these facilities are established, even where doing so requires some existing market structures to give way for redevelopment.
He was careful to note, however, that any such changes must be accompanied by proper planning, compensation where necessary, and the provision of temporary trading spaces to ensure that affected traders can continue their businesses throughout the transition period.
Pressed on whether the planned demolitions would proceed without arbitrary disruption to traders, Mr Alhassan was firm in his response, insisting that the process would not be conducted haphazardly.
He explained that government would monitor the assemblies and agencies involved in implementing the project to ensure due process is strictly followed throughout, reiterating that the underlying objective of the 24-Hour Economy initiative is to improve commerce rather than undermine the livelihoods of traders who depend on these markets daily.
Broader Vision For Jobs And Economic Vibrancy
Mr Alhassan framed the 24-Hour Economy policy within a wider vision centred on job creation and expanding economic opportunity, describing markets as central to achieving these broader goals. He maintained that the ultimate aim of the initiative is to make Ghana’s economy more vibrant and dynamic, positioning market modernisation as a key pillar of that transformation rather than a standalone infrastructure project.
With traders continuing to raise concerns over demolition notices issued without adequate consultation, attention now turns to whether the Ministry and local assemblies will follow through on Mr Alhassan’s call for renewed engagement with affected market communities.
As the 24-Hour Economy project continues to roll out, how effectively government balances infrastructure modernisation with the protection of traders’ livelihoods is likely to remain a closely watched test of the policy’s broader promise to deliver economic opportunity without displacing the very people it aims to empower.
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