CFF-Ghana urges data-driven approach to 24-hour economy market model

The Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana) has called on the government to adopt a data-driven and locally responsive approach to the implementation of the 24-hour economy market model, rather than the current wholesale approach.

In a press statement issued on 17th September 2026 in Accra, the Foundation said it had taken note of the government’s ongoing nationwide rollout of the 24-hour economy market model.

While commending the John Mahama-led NDC government for its commitment to modernising market infrastructure and stimulating local economic activity, CFF-Ghana expressed concern about what it described as a wholesale, one-size-fits-all approach to the implementation.

According to the Foundation, treating markets across Ghana as though they have identical operational requirements could result in the use of limited resources without corresponding economic returns.

The Foundation noted that Ghana’s economic landscape is diverse and that not every market requires the same 24-hour model.

“The commercial characteristics of Accra cannot necessarily be replicated in Asesewa, Ho, Tamale, Kasoa, Wa, Koforidua or smaller towns and rural communities. Similarly, the needs of a major industrial zone, a food market, a transport terminal, an agricultural community and a neighborhood retail centre are fundamentally different.”

CFF-Ghana described the 24-hour economy policy as a laudable vision but stressed that its implementation must be data-driven, demand-responsive and tailored to the economic realities of different markets, rather than relying on the wholesale approach currently being observed.

The Foundation has therefore called on the government to take five urgent actions: review the current wholesale implementation approach; adopt data-driven criteria for identifying markets and economic zones suitable for extended operations; prioritise sectors with demonstrable economic demand and employment potential before making investments; publish measurable performance indicators for evaluating the policy; and use pilot projects and evidence-based evaluation before scaling up the programme nationwide.

CFF-Ghana said the initiative has the potential to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic transformation if implemented strategically.

“Markets thrive where there is demand, infrastructure, security, purchasing power and an enabling business environment. The success of Ghana’s 24-hour economy should ultimately be measured not by how many markets operate at night, but by how much additional economic value, employment, productivity and opportunity the policy creates for Ghanaians,” the statement signed by CFF-Ghana’s Communication Directorate added.