Ghana to Construct 43 Model Markets in Ashanti Region Under 24-Hour Economy Initiative
The Ghanaian government has unveiled plans to build 43 modern “24-hour economy” markets across the Ashanti Region, prioritizing the completion of stalled projects to boost round-the-clock commerce, reduce unemployment, and enhance local economies in the country’s commercial heartland.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene announced the initiative during the Consideration of Annual Audit Statements for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the mid-sector, emphasizing that abandoned markets will be finished before new constructions begin.
These facilities will serve as comprehensive economic hubs, featuring police posts, fire stations, women development banks, sanitary amenities, and lockable shops to enable uninterrupted operations, aligning with President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship 24-hour economy policy launched in July 2025.
Priority projects include the Krofrom Market (stalled since 2008), Mamponteng Market (initiated in 2012), and the incomplete Mampong Municipal Market, which will be fully developed to increase trading capacity.aa0fd2 “For each district, we have decided that key market infrastructure that remains abandoned must be completed before initiating new ones,” Amoakohene explained, noting that Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) will focus on Krofrom before any expansions via the Basic Functional Capacity Fund (BFCF).
The 24-hour economy policy aims to restructure Ghana’s production systems for continuous operations, maximizing infrastructure and human resources to drive productivity, job creation, and export growth—targeting a shift from raw material exports to value-added goods like processed foods and pharmaceuticals.
Amoakohene highlighted Ashanti’s dual-income residents—many balancing white-collar jobs with trading—stating, “The initiative intends to provide modern, accessible, and sustainable trading spaces that reflect the region’s economic potential.”
Broader Infrastructure Commitments
The announcement ties into a GH¢46 million injection for stalled projects and 80% disbursement of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to Ashanti MMDAs, enabling education, health, and community developments.5754dc Key allocations include:
10% for Education: Furniture for schools and at least two new kindergarten/primary classroom blocks per district.
10% for Health: Completion of abandoned CHPS compounds and construction of 86 new ones to expand basic healthcare access.
These efforts address gaps identified by the Ghana Health Service and aim to bring services closer to communities, reducing travel burdens.
The policy’s rollout, piloting 24-hour markets in select MMDAs, supports national goals of sustainable growth amid economic challenges like the cedi’s volatility and commodity dependence.
