The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to immediately halt the demolition of existing public and community infrastructure to make way for projects under the 24-hour economy market programme.
The NPP caucus says the programme is being implemented without adequate consideration of local development needs, existing infrastructure and the economic realities of individual communities.
Addressing the media, Ranking Member on the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the Minority supports market development but objects to what it describes as a poorly planned approach.
“Our concern, however, is that the 24-hour economy market program as currently being implemented appears poorly conceived, poorly planned, and disconnected from the actual development needs of many communities.”
Asenso-Boakye questioned whether adequate assessments had been conducted before the projects were introduced.
“This raises a basic question. What needs assessment, feasibility studies, and local development plans are guiding these projects?”
He said some communities need new markets, while others require the rehabilitation or expansion of existing facilities, arguing that imposing similar projects across districts undermines decentralisation.
“To impose essentially the same projects across districts without adequate regard for their development plans undermines the very principle of decentralization.”
The Minority also cited reported demolition plans and protests involving traders and residents at several markets, including Nungwa, Kwabena, Ashaiman and Kokoma.
Asenso-Boakye said the alleged destruction of existing and, in some cases, recently constructed facilities raises concerns about the use of public funds.
“At a time of severe fiscal constraints, governments must explain their economic justification for destroying useful and, in some cases, recently constructed public assets, only to spend scarce public resources.”
The Minority is demanding an immediate stop to the demolitions and a review of the implementation of the 24-hour economy market programme.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
