Agroyesumhene Questions Mahama’s 24-Hour Market Plan, Calls for Completion of Central Market Phase Two
The Chief of Manso Agroyesum, Nana Tabi Agyabeng III, has questioned the government’s proposed nationwide 24-hour market initiative, urging President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise rural and district road development before establishing such markets across the country.
He argued that the success of the proposed 24-hour market initiative would depend partly on the availability of good road infrastructure and security, saying deplorable roads in rural communities could undermine efforts to expand economic activities.
The traditional leader called on the government to prioritise the completion of Phase Two of the Kumasi Central Market project before extending the proposed 24-hour markets to districts across the country.
Nana Agyabeng III also urged the government to use the Kejetia Market, popularly known as the Kejetia Dubai Market, as a pilot project to assess the effectiveness of the initiative before rolling it out nationwide.
He expressed reservations about the policy, describing the proposed 24-hour market initiative as a potential waste of state resources if the government failed to address other pressing development needs.
The Agroyesumhene further questioned the country’s preparedness to provide adequate security for traders, customers and other users of markets operating at night, citing concerns about armed robbery and public safety.
He said adequate security arrangements should be put in place to protect traders and customers expected to conduct business beyond the usual market hours.
Nana Tabi Agyabeng III also called on Parliament to consider legislation to promote responsible management of public funds and prevent wasteful expenditure in the implementation of presidential manifesto commitments.
He said such legislation would help ensure that government policies and development programmes were carefully assessed and implemented in the public interest.
