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The government has renamed its “24-hour economy markets” programme as District Economy Markets, with a target of achieving 100% completion across all 261 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies by 2028.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, said the rebranding was intended to distinguish the market initiative from the government’s broader 24-hour economy policy.
He explained that the previous name had created the impression that markets were the central focus of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy programme.
“You notice I didn’t say 24-hour economy markets. The use of the 24-hour economy markets has tended to create the impression that the whole thing about the government’s flagship programme of 24-hour economy is about markets,” he said.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 5, 2026, Mr Ayariga said the programme had consequently been redesignated as District Economy Markets, with the aim of providing a model market in every district.
He said projects under the programme are currently at different stages of construction and implementation nationwide.
According to the Minister, government has also re-scoped the initiative into two phases to speed up construction and establish a more structured financing mechanism.
The first phase will involve the construction of market stores, sheds and other essential commercial spaces, while the second phase will provide supporting infrastructure such as police and fire stations.
“We re-scoped it into two phases to enable a more speedy delivery of the market and a more structured financing to achieve 100% completion by 2028,” he said.
Mr Ayariga said the second phase would subsequently be financed through future allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund.
The government says the District Economy Markets programme is aimed at providing modern commercial infrastructure across the country while promoting economic activity and opportunities at the district level.