Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, Goosie Tanoh, has clarified that the 24-Hour Markets Project is not being managed by the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat.
Speaking during a media briefing on August 19, Tanoh said his office has no mandate or involvement in the development of markets under the government’s 24-hour economy initiative.
He explained that the 24-Hour Markets Project falls under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while funding is provided through the District Assemblies Common Fund.
Tanoh said his office had been named in legal cases relating to the demolition of properties connected to the project, despite having no responsibility for the programme.
He indicated that lawyers representing the Secretariat would seek to have its name removed from the lawsuits.
According to him, the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat does not have jurisdiction over the construction or redevelopment of the markets and should therefore not be held responsible for actions associated with the project.
Controversy Over 24-Hour Markets Project
The 24-Hour Markets Project has generated public debate in recent weeks, particularly over the demolition of existing structures and disagreements concerning land allocated for new market developments.
One of the latest controversies involves the demolition of a building that housed a bank in Kumasi.
On August 12, management of Sekyedumase Rural Bank announced plans to pursue legal action after its Aboabo branch was demolished to make way for a proposed 24-hour market.
The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Afriyie Michael Kwabena, said the financial institution had been in discussions with the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly regarding plans to relocate its operations.
Speaking on Ghana Akoma on Akoma FM, he said the discussions had initially been progressing smoothly until the demolition took place.
According to the CEO, the Assembly had previously informed the bank about the 24-hour market project. The bank subsequently explored the possibility of incorporating its operations into the new market design, but the proposal was unsuccessful.
The Assembly then allocated an alternative location for the bank at the Asawase Market. However, the bank needed to obtain regulatory approval before moving its operations.
Bank Claims Properties and Cash Were Lost
The Sekyedumase Rural Bank CEO alleged that the municipal assembly demolished the building without issuing an official eviction notice.
He said several properties belonging to the bank were destroyed during the exercise, including important documents.
The bank, however, said customer information and records remained secure because they were backed up through its network system.
The bank also raised concerns about cash that was reportedly kept in its vault at the time of the demolition.
According to the CEO, the financial institution was unable to account for approximately GH¢10 million following the demolition.
The claim has added to concerns surrounding the implementation of the 24-Hour Markets Project and the treatment of businesses occupying areas earmarked for redevelopment.
Assembly Member Explains Demolition
Presiding Member of the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly, Mohammed Al-Jara, said the demolition was carried out before the General Assembly had been given the opportunity to fully deliberate on the matter.
He explained that a General Assembly meeting had been scheduled to discuss the issue, but the meeting did not take place before the demolition exercise.
Meanwhile, Sekyedumase Rural Bank has indicated that it could seek legal redress and pursue compensation from the Assembly for the alleged damage and losses suffered during the demolition.
The controversy has renewed discussions about government market redevelopment projects, property rights, compensation, local government accountability and the implementation of Ghana’s 24-hour economy agenda.
Source: newsthemegh.com