The debate over the proposed 24-hour economy market in Wa Municipality has sparked intense discussion among stakeholders, with some advocating for the relocation of Tendamba School to make way for the market. However, Dr. Zakaria Mustapha, a native of Wa, argues that the municipality does not need a 24-hour market, citing priority and demand as major concerns.
In a thought-provoking Facebook post, Dr. Mustapha questions the rationale behind the policy, highlighting the pressing issues that require urgent attention in the municipality. He emphasizes the need for policies and programs to be research-supported and need-based, rather than driven by populist sentiments.
Here is Dr. Mustapha’s post in its entirety:
WA MUNICIPAL 24-HOUR MARKET POLICY The conversation over weeks has been centred on whether Tendamba School should be relocated to make way for a 24-hour economy market and there appears to be no end in sight with numerous pressers taken Center stage in the municipality. I bet to differ in all of this and perhaps, we need to soberly reflect the concept. DOES WA MUNICIPAL NEED A 24-HOUR MARKET?. Absolutely NO on the grounds of PRIORITY and DEMAND.
Firstly, If we all agree that no government can solve all our problems within its tenure, then emphasis must be on the issues that really affects the lives of the people in the area to a greater extent. Just not long ago, there was a food glut in the Sissala area which led to food spoilage and contamination posing significant financial loss to farmers, the entire region lacks an MRI, Doctors shortage in certain districts, extremely poor road networks, lack of jobs opportunities etc. These are the real problems of the people. Government should not repeat the mistakes of the past.
A certain government once thought that the best thing to do for the country was to build a church and this is no different respectfully. Our policies and programmes for development must be research-supported and need-based. Secondly, the municipality currently has two major markets thus Jengbeyiri and Dapaalaa. If there should be any measure of demand for a 24-hour market, it certainly will be from the economic activities of these two markets. One rarely persists beyond 8pm and the other is a pale shadow of itself. Aside putting up the infrastructure, even if government opens up businesses in the market, they will fail for the simple reason of lack of demand. Aside the police and the hospitals, most of us retire after 12:00am.
In the ideal world where everything works, good road networks, enhanced transportation and good communication, jobs for the youth, industrialisation etc. The Private sector will lead the charge for a 24-hour economy for the government to support as in the case Osu, madina, east legon etc. We should draw the line between Campaign and governance The assembly should rethink the policy. Share your thoughts. As salaam.
