Ghana’s 261 district markets, spread across 16 regions, are set to be upgraded under the 24‑Hour Economy Markets Initiative announced by President John Dramani Mahama. The plan, led by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in partnership with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, aims to turn traditional open‑air markets into modern, round‑the‑clock commercial hubs.
Traditional markets currently generate an estimated US$4 million in annual turnover per location and account for roughly 60 percent of the country’s retail sales. They also supply the majority of staple foods and fast‑moving consumer goods to Ghanaians, with 95 percent of the population preferring to shop there for cost and accessibility.
Despite their economic importance, these markets suffer from poor sanitation, inadequate drainage, congestion, fire risks and limited infrastructure. The new initiative will add modern shops, warehouses, cold‑storage, banking and digital‑payment facilities, sanitation blocks, restaurants, crèches, clinics and police and fire posts to each market.
By operating around the clock, the upgraded markets are expected to extend trading hours, stimulate local economic activity, create jobs and provide wealth‑creation opportunities for traders, farmers and small businesses. Resources will be channeled to local assemblies to ensure ownership and adaptation to community needs.
Implementation will focus on enhancing market infrastructure and improving the overall trading environment, thereby supporting Ghana’s informal sector and strengthening the supply chain for food and goods across the country.
