The founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, is demanding clarity from the government over what he describes as an apparent shift in the branding and policy direction of its 24-hour market initiative.
Dr Ayariga is questioning why the term “24-hour markets”, which became closely associated with the government’s flagship 24-hour Economy policy, appears to be giving way to “District Model Markets.”
In a statement issued on Monday, October 5, he said the original 24-hour market concept had provided the government’s flagship policy with a clear and practical identity by suggesting that selected markets and commercial centres could operate beyond conventional business hours.
According to him, the concept also created opportunities for traders, businesses, workers and consumers to participate in economic activity beyond the traditional daytime period.
Dr Ayariga said while government may have legitimate reasons for broadening or redefining the initiative, any change in its name or identity must be clearly explained to the public.
“If the intention of government is to broaden the initiative by developing modern model markets across the districts, then that objective should be clearly communicated,” he said.
He warned that dropping the “24 Hour” identity without an explanation could create the impression that the original concept has been abandoned or is no longer a central component of the government’s 24-hour Economy agenda.
Dr Ayariga said such uncertainty could also fuel criticism from political opponents and other critics who may argue that a key component of the flagship policy has failed to materialise as originally presented.
He proposed that government could instead combine the two concepts by adopting the name “24 Hour District Model Markets.”
He said this would allow government to retain the identity of the 24-hour Economy policy while pursuing its broader objective of developing modern markets across the districts.
The APC leader stressed that his concerns were not intended as political point-scoring but were based on the need for consistency, accountability and effective communication of government policies.
“We therefore respectfully ask: Is the 24-hour market concept still an integral part of the government’s 24-hour economy policy, or has there been a change in policy direction?” he asked.
“The Ghanaian people deserve clarity.”
The government has announced plans to review and remodel the flagship 24-hour market initiative, with the proposed District Model Markets expected to reflect the revised scope of the programme.
Hassan Ayariga is now calling for clarification on whether the change in terminology represents a rebranding of the initiative or a substantive change in policy direction.
