Political analyst Wofa Kofi Appiah has raised significant concerns about the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) proposed 24-hour market policy. He warned that this initiative could become “white elephants,” similar to some projects under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
Appiah stated his doubts about the long-term viability and productivity of these markets, even if their initial construction proves feasible. He believes maintaining operations and ensuring their economic impact poses a major challenge. The analyst specifically referenced the One District One Factory (1D1F) program introduced by the previous NPP administration.
The 1D1F initiative aimed to establish at least one factory in each district across Ghana. This was intended to boost local economies and create employment opportunities. However, the program faced criticism for the operational status and sustainability of some of its projects.
Governments often embark on large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects to stimulate economic growth. Ghana’s political landscape frequently sees ambitious pledges from major parties, like the NDC and NPP, ahead of elections. These promises typically focus on job creation, poverty reduction, and industrialisation.
Wofa Kofi Appiah, speaking on Kessben FM, stressed the importance of sustainable implementation beyond mere project launches. He stated, “Governments must focus not only on launching ambitious projects but also on creating practical systems that guarantee sustainability, job creation, and economic impact.” This statement underscores the need for thorough planning that includes operational models and maintenance strategies.
The critique highlights a recurring theme in Ghana’s development efforts: ensuring the enduring success of government-initiated projects. For instance, the 1D1F program, while ambitious, encountered issues with some factories failing to achieve full operational capacity or shut down after an initial period. This raised questions about due diligence and long-term business planning. Ghana’s Auditor-General’s reports have often detailed challenges in the management and sustainability of state-funded ventures across various sectors.
Moving forward, the NDC will need to articulate a clear strategy for the sustained operation and economic viability of its 24-hour market policy. Investors and the public will closely watch how detailed policy frameworks address concerns about maintenance, security, and market demand. Decision-makers must demonstrate how these proposed markets will avoid the pitfalls that affected prior large-scale government programs, ensuring genuine economic benefit. The success of such initiatives will depend on robust implementation plans and continuous oversight rather than solely on their initial establishment.