Journalist and host of Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom-Otchere, has criticised the government’s demolition of existing structures to make way for projects under its 24-hour economy programme.
Speaking at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional executive elections at Jubilee Park on Saturday, August 15, Mr Adom-Otchere questioned the decision to pull down structures, including schools and a bank, to construct 24-hour markets.
He said the demolitions were creating frustration among some residents, particularly in the Ashanti Region.
According to him, the government’s decision to link the 24-hour economy initiative largely to markets does not reflect the broader concept outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto.
“People’s buildings have been broken down and they break your building, whether it’s a bank, whether it’s a school, and they tell you we are building a 24-hour market,” he said.
Mr Adom-Otchere argued that markets have existed in Ghana for generations and questioned why existing structures should be demolished to establish new ones.
He cited the Asafo, Adum, Kejetia and Makola markets as examples of long-established trading centres.
“Ghana has had markets for 180 years. Asafo Market is older than Ghana’s independence. Adum Market, Kejetia Market and Makola Market are older than Ghana’s independence. We’ve already had markets,” he stated.
He further questioned the rationale for demolishing functioning facilities in the name of constructing markets.
“Suddenly government comes and says I’m doing a 24-hour economy and it’s anchored on markets. Okay, go ahead with your markets. No, I break your school building and I do markets. I break your bank and I do markets,” he added.
Mr Adom-Otchere also claimed that the demolitions and the conduct of some government officials were contributing to growing dissatisfaction with the government.
His comments come as the government advances its 24-hour economy agenda, which it says is aimed at increasing economic activity, creating jobs and improving productivity.
Mr Adom-Otchere said voters, particularly in the Ashanti Region, were closely monitoring developments and that the issue could have political implications for the governing NDC.
