24-Hour Economy Markets Renamed District Economy Markets – Ayariga

The government has renamed its “24-hour economy markets” initiative to “District Economy Markets” as part of efforts to provide modern market infrastructure across Ghana.

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, said the rebranding was necessary to distinguish the market projects from the government’s broader 24-hour economy policy.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 5, 2026, Mr Ayariga explained that the previous name created the impression that the government’s flagship 24-hour economy programme was mainly focused on markets.

According to him, the initiative has therefore been redesignated as District Economy Markets to emphasise its goal of establishing modern markets across all 261 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies.

He said construction and implementation of the projects are already underway at various locations across the country, with government targeting the completion of at least one model market in every district by 2028.

Mr Ayariga disclosed that the programme has been divided into two phases to accelerate delivery.

The first phase will focus on core market infrastructure, including stores, sheds and other essential commercial spaces needed to make the facilities operational.

The second phase will provide complementary infrastructure such as police and fire stations to enhance security and support the effective operation of the markets.

Mr Ayariga said the restructuring would allow government to deliver the projects more quickly while creating a more sustainable financing arrangement.

He explained that funding for the second phase would subsequently be sourced from future allocations to the District Assemblies Common Fund.

The Minister said the overall objective is to achieve 100% completion of the District Economy Markets programme by 2028.