Assemblies Urged to Enforce Building Standards in New Market Projects
Minister Warns Against Substandard Construction as Ghana Expands 24-Hour Market Initiative
- Ahmed Ibrahim urges strict enforcement of building codes to prevent market fires.
- Assemblies tasked to prioritise and complete 24-hour market projects on time.
- New markets aim to boost trade, storage, and round-the-clock economic activity.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on local assemblies to strictly enforce the Ghana Building Code in the construction of 24-hour economy markets, warning that failure to adhere to standards could lead to preventable fire outbreaks.
He stressed that compliance with approved building regulations and the use of quality materials are essential to protecting both traders and public investments tied to the initiative. The Minister made these remarks during the Government Accountability Series organised by the Presidency in Accra.
Addressing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Mr. Ibrahim urged them to prioritise the timely delivery of the 24-hour market projects. This follows the recent sod-cutting ceremony led by John Dramani Mahama for two such markets in northern Ghana.
He cautioned against the common practice of cutting costs at the expense of safety, noting that many market fires in the country can be traced to the use of substandard materials and disregard for proper construction procedures.
According to him, while cheaper alternatives may appear sufficient in the short term, they often compromise structural integrity and increase the risk of fire outbreaks. He emphasised that such incidents should not be politicised but understood as economic setbacks that undermine livelihoods and national development.
The Minister further appealed to local authorities to ensure that the projects are completed on schedule for commissioning next year.
The 24-hour economy programme forms part of a broader strategy to stimulate continuous economic activity, strengthen local trade, and improve the connection between agricultural production and market access.
As part of the rollout, President Mahama recently launched construction of two pilot markets in Bimbilla and Kukuo. These facilities are expected to serve as models for replication across all 261 districts nationwide.
The proposed markets will feature modern infrastructure, including clinics, fire and police posts, banking services, childcare facilities, and food outlets to support round-the-clock operations. In addition, each site will include large warehouses aimed at improving storage, reducing post-harvest losses, and boosting overall economic activity.
