Ghana's 24-Hour Markets Plan: How Mahama Administration Aims to Transform Informal Trading

Ghana's traditional markets, which account for nearly 60 per cent of all retail sales nationwide, are set for a major overhaul under the government's new 24-Hour Economy Markets Initiative. The programme, led by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in partnership with local assemblies, represents an ambitious effort to rehabilitate hundreds of informal trading centres that have developed haphazardly over decades without modern planning or adequate facilities.

For most Ghanaians, traditional markets remain the economic backbone of daily commerce. Markets such as Kantamanto and Makola in Accra, Kejetia in Kumasi, and Ho Central Market in the Volta Region serve as vital shopping destinations where approximately 95 per cent of Ghanaians prefer to buy goods—largely because of affordability and convenience. These markets distribute more than 90 per cent of fresh produce, frozen fish, meat and local staples across the country, whilst also channelling over 85 per cent of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sales and serving as primary supply points for restaurants, hotels and industrial buyers.

Addressing Long-Standing Market Challenges

Despite their economic importance, Ghana's traditional markets have struggled with deteriorating conditions for years. Poor sanitation from inadequate toilet facilities, ineffective waste management and inadequate drainage systems create unhygienic trading environments. Congestion remains acute as vendor numbers have outpaced available space, whilst recurring fire outbreaks have threatened both livelihoods and lives. Food safety concerns and crumbling infrastructure further undermine trader and consumer confidence, making modernisation an urgent necessity rather than a luxury.

The scale of the initiative is significant: all 261 districts nationwide will benefit from market transformation projects. Each modernised centre will operate 24 hours daily, enabling extended trading hours that can boost economic activity and productivity. The programme also aims to formalise informal trading to some degree, providing organised environments that reduce congestion and improve hygiene standards.

Why This Matters for Ghana's Economy and Communities

Traditional markets generate approximately US$4 million annually per location according to World Bank estimates, yet this potential remains constrained by poor infrastructure. By upgrading these centres, the government hopes to unlock additional economic activity, create employment beyond current trader numbers, and generate wealth creation opportunities in local communities.

The initiative carries particular importance for Ghana's women traders, who constitute a significant proportion of market vendors and depend on these spaces for household income and economic empowerment. Better facilities—including adequate sanitation, security lighting, and organised layout—directly improve working conditions and safety for predominantly female trader populations.

Implementation will be devolved to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure modernisation reflects local needs and conditions. This approach emphasises community ownership rather than top-down imposition, potentially increasing programme sustainability and local buy-in from trader associations and assembly leadership.

The broader vision positions these markets as multipurpose commercial centres rather than simple retail spaces. Modern facilities could accommodate ancillary services, storage capacity, and value-addition activities, transforming traditional markets into integrated economic hubs capable of supporting producer-to-consumer value chains more efficiently.

Success will depend on sustained funding, effective project management, and trader cooperation during potentially disruptive construction phases. Questions remain about whether 24-hour operations will genuinely attract demand or prove operationally sustainable in all locations, and whether improved infrastructure can overcome other constraints such as transportation links and electricity access.