The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has called on the government to clarify what he describes as an apparent change in the terminology surrounding its 24-Hour Economy policy.
Dr. Ayariga is questioning why the term “24-Hour Markets,” which has been closely associated with the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy agenda, is now being referred to as “District Model Markets.”
According to him, the change in terminology requires a clear explanation to prevent confusion among Ghanaians about the status and direction of the government’s 24-Hour Market initiative.
He said the 24-Hour Market concept had provided the public with a practical understanding of how the broader 24-Hour Economy policy could translate into opportunities for traders, businesses, workers and consumers.
Dr. Ayariga argued that if the government’s intention was to broaden the initiative by developing modern markets across the various districts, it should clearly communicate that objective to the public.
He cautioned that dropping the “24-Hour” identity without adequate explanation could create the impression that the original concept had been abandoned, had lost relevance, or was no longer a central component of the government’s economic agenda.
The APC leader further warned that the apparent rebranding could give political opponents and critics an opportunity to argue that a major component of the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy had failed to achieve its intended objectives.
He therefore urged the government to ensure consistency between its campaign promises, policy implementation and the branding used to communicate major government programmes to the public.
Dr. Ayariga proposed that if the government seeks to combine the 24-Hour Economy concept with its district market development programme, it could consider the name “24-Hour District Model Markets” to preserve the original identity while accommodating the broader objective.
He stressed that the APC’s concern was not intended as political point-scoring but was aimed at promoting policy consistency, accountability and transparency, and asked the government to clarify whether the 24-Hour Market concept remains an integral part of its 24-Hour Economy policy or whether there has been a change in direction.
Read the official statement below!
PRESS STATEMENT
24-HOUR MARKETS OR DISTRICT MODEL MARKETS? GOVERNMENT MUST CLARIFY
5th October 2026
The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, wishes to raise an important public policy question regarding the apparent change in terminology from “24-Hour Markets” to “District Model Markets.”
The 24-Hour Market concept has been closely associated with the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy and has helped give the policy a visible and practical identity.
The concept created an understanding among Ghanaians that selected markets and commercial centres could become important components of a broader economy operating beyond conventional working hours, creating opportunities for businesses, traders, workers and consumers.
The APC therefore believes that any decision to change the name or identity of the 24-Hour Markets must be properly explained to the Ghanaian people.
If the intention of the government is to broaden the initiative by developing modern model markets across the districts, then that objective should be clearly communicated. However, removing the “24-Hour” identity without sufficient public explanation could create the perception that the original 24-Hour Market concept is being abandoned, has become less relevant, or is no longer central to the government’s policy direction.
It could also provide room for political opponents and critics to portray the rebranding as an admission that a major component associated with the flagship 24-Hour Economy agenda has not worked as intended.
The government must therefore communicate carefully and ensure consistency between its campaign commitments, policy implementation and public branding.
The APC proposes that, if the objective is to combine the 24-Hour Economy concept with a broader district market development programme, the government could consider a name such as:
“24-HOUR DISTRICT MODEL MARKETS”
This would preserve the identity and visibility of the 24-Hour Economy policy while accommodating the broader objective of developing modern markets across the districts.
Our position is not about political point-scoring. It is about policy consistency, accountability, continuity and clear communication with the Ghanaian people.
We therefore respectfully ask:
Is the 24-Hour Market concept still an integral part of the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy, or has there been a change in policy direction?
The Ghanaian people deserve clarity.
……Signed…….
Dr. Hassan Ayariga
Founder and Leader
All People’s Congress (APC)
