Government is reviewing the design and scope of its flagship 24-hour market programme and plans to rename the projects District Model Markets, Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister Mahama Ayariga has announced.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 5, Mr Ayariga said consultations were underway to reduce or adjust parts of the original designs to match available funding and ensure the projects can be completed within two years.
“Deliberations are ongoing with a view to remodelling the designs and rescoping the project to fit readily available budget and urgent need to complete the markets within two years,” he said.
Seven Flagship Markets Already Underway
President John Dramani Mahama has already cut sod for model markets in seven regions, while the broader programme is intended to eventually cover all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
The original 24-hour market concept was designed to provide modern trading spaces with facilities including storage, security, banking services, clinics and restaurants while supporting extended commercial activity.
Mr Ayariga said the redesign would preserve the objective of improving market infrastructure while making individual projects more realistic within current financial constraints.
The Ministry has also been consulting MMDCEs and technical advisers over funding, design and implementation arrangements.
Kumasi, Takoradi Market Projects to Resume
Mr Ayariga also disclosed that negotiations have been completed for contractors to return to the Kumasi Central Market Phase II and Takoradi Market Circle projects.
Work on the Kumasi project is expected to resume following discussions over funding and implementation arrangements.
Government says the wider market programme is intended to improve trading conditions, strengthen local economic activity and provide more functional commercial infrastructure across districts.
The latest changes mean the initiative will retain its nationwide market development objective, but with revised designs, budgets and a new identity as District Model Markets.
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