As part of efforts to modernise local commerce and prevent recurring market disasters, the Government has directed all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to allocate 25% of their District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) toward the construction of 24-hour model markets equipped with essential emergency and safety infrastructure.
The directive was announced by Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, during a Parliamentary session, in response to questions regarding recurring fire outbreaks in major markets such as Kantamanto in Accra and Kwadaso in Kumasi.
The proposed 24-hour markets, Mr. Ibrahim explained, will not only support Ghana’s broader 24-hour economy agenda but will also be built to prioritise safety, accessibility, and resilience. Each facility is expected to include a police post, fire station, hydrants, smoke detectors, crèche, and accessible roads for efficient emergency response.
“Markets must evolve into safe, modern trading hubs that serve the economy day and night while protecting lives and investments,” the Minister stated.
The announcement follows recent devastating fires at the Kantamanto market in Accra and the Kwadaso Wood Village Market in Kumasi, which destroyed goods worth millions of cedis and displaced hundreds of traders.
To mitigate future disasters, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is collaborating with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to install fire extinguishers and smoke detection systems at Kantamanto, alongside routine assessments by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to audit electrical and structural risks.
In Kumasi, the Ministry has instructed the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly to submit a comprehensive re-development plan to facilitate the redesign and reconstruction of the burnt wood market, ensuring the new structure incorporates strict fire prevention measures.
The initiative signals a shift in government policy toward long-term infrastructure planning and risk management in local markets, especially in light of the growing importance of safe, sustainable trade environments under the 24-hour economic framework.
Stakeholders in local governance and market leadership are expected to begin planning immediately, with oversight from the Ministry to ensure compliance and implementation across all districts.
