Minority wants 24-Hour Market funds redirected to complete abandoned Agenda 111 hospitals
Minority members on Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee are urging the government to shift money meant for the 24-Hour Market initiative into finishing stalled Agenda 111 hospital projects instead. They argue that many districts already have underutilised markets and need health infrastructure more urgently.
Francis Asenso-Boakye says many districts don’t need new markets
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for MMDCEs in Accra, Ranking Member Francis Asenso-Boakye said that several districts have existing markets that are underutilized. “As District Assembly officials and political actors, you are supposed to build 24-Hour Markets, but I have realised that in many districts, they do not really need the 24-Hour Markets because there are existing markets already which are underutilised,” he stated.
‘Invest in healthcare infrastructure instead’
The former Minister said it would not be the best use of public funds to pour more money into new markets with low demand. He stressed that critical health projects like Agenda 111 remain incomplete across the country and should take priority. “In situations where you don’t need these 24-Hour Markets, can we invest the money in other areas which will certainly include the provision of healthcare infrastructure like the Agenda 111?” he asked the Health Minister.
Agenda 111 debate heats up across newsrooms
The call adds to today’s cross-paper debate on Agenda 111. Kennedy Agyapong has attacked the NPP over the incomplete Afari Military Hospital, while the Minority has defended progress on the project. The Minority’s proposal now frames Agenda 111 as the better alternative for idle market funds.
Government yet to respond to the proposal
No official response from the government or the Health Ministry has been issued yet. The workshop for MMDCEs continues in Accra as district heads weigh the Minority’s recommendation on reallocating resources.
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