Former Jaman South Municipal Chief Executive, Andrews Bediako, has launched a strong critique of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s implementation of its campaign promises, questioning whether the construction of new markets adequately addresses the broader objectives of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy.
Mr Bediako, speaking to Asaase News on the sidelines of the New Patriotic Party’s regional executive elections, argued that the construction of markets alone could not be presented as a comprehensive solution to Ghana’s economic challenges or a substitute for the broader vision underpinning the 24-hour economy.
He particularly questioned the rationale behind constructing new markets in areas where existing facilities, some of which he said were built only recently, were allegedly being demolished to pave the way for new projects.
“If you want to build a new market, we have lands somewhere. Why don’t you use those lands to build the new markets? Why do you want to destroy the existing markets?” he questioned.
According to Mr Bediako, such an approach risks wasting public resources while disrupting established trading communities.
He expressed concern that some of the proposed market projects could eventually become underutilised or abandoned if their locations and the actual needs of the communities they are intended to serve are not properly considered.
“For me, I don’t believe in those markets because I have said these markets are no panacea for the 24-hour economy,” he said.
Mr Bediako further argued that facilities constructed without adequate economic activity, accessibility and demand could ultimately become “white elephants”, particularly if traders and consumers are unwilling or unable to patronise them.
Turning his attention to the 2028 general elections, Mr Bediako said the NPP would have a significant opportunity to reconnect with the Ghanaian electorate by presenting itself as a united and credible alternative.
He identified farmers, teachers, nurses and other professional and economic groups as key constituencies whose concerns, he believes, could influence the next electoral contest.
He said voters, particularly in rural communities, were likely to demand answers on promises relating to agricultural infrastructure, mechanisation and other interventions intended to improve livelihoods.
According to him, the NPP must therefore go beyond political rhetoric and demonstrate to voters that it has listened to their concerns and learned from its previous electoral setbacks.
Mr Bediako maintained that the NPP’s prospects of reclaiming political power in 2028 would depend largely on its ability to overcome internal divisions and present a united front to the electorate.
He therefore urged the next regional leadership of the party to rise above factional interests, reconcile competing camps and deliberately bring defeated aspirants and their supporters back into the fold.
“The united front will give the maximum support within the region for the party to win the seats that we had previously,” he said.
He stressed that victory in internal elections should not become a source of permanent division, insisting that successful candidates must extend an olive branch to their opponents and work collectively towards the party’s larger objective.
Mr Bediako’s message was clear: the NPP’s battle for 2028 must begin with unity at home, credible engagement with voters and a compelling response to the economic concerns confronting Ghanaians.
*Report by Daniel Donkor, Bono Region*
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