24-HOUR ECONOMY: TAKYI ADDO CALLS FOR MODERN MARKETS TO SUPPORT TRADERS

The Public Relations Officer of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, Mr. Benjamin Takyi Addo, has called for the construction of modern markets to improve trading conditions across the country. Speaking on the proposed 24-Hour Economy, Mr. Takyi Addo said traders, particularly market women, could benefit from modern market infrastructure and related financial support programmes. He said the Women’s Bank initiative, as he understands it, could be integrated into the 24-Hour Economy Market concept to provide additional support to women in business. Mr. Takyi Addo also addressed concerns about the location of some proposed 24-Hour Economy Market projects. He stressed that, in his view, such markets should not be constructed at the expense of school buildings or educational facilities. He said the government should identify appropriate locations and undertake the projects region by region, ensuring that communities receive the necessary infrastructure without compromising existing public facilities. According to Mr. Takyi Addo, the development of markets and support for traders should remain an important part of Ghana's economic development agenda. He further expressed the view that President John Dramani Mahama places Ghana's development among his key priorities, and urged stakeholders to support initiatives that can create economic opportunities for traders and businesses.