Traders at the Madina Main Market have raised concerns about the proposed introduction of a 24-hour market system, saying the government must first address challenges such as rising prices of goods, inflation and low sales.

The concerns come amid the ongoing plans to demolish old market structures in some parts of the country to make way for new facilities under the proposed 24-hour market initiative, which has resulted in the displacement of several traders.

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Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb Business on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the Queen Mother of the Madina Main Market, Esi Yeboah, welcomed the idea, saying a 24-hour market could create more jobs, reduce unemployment and improve sales for traders.

“As we sit here, we don’t have enough space for all the traders. When someone comes to ask to sell here, I only tell them to go look around, and when they find a place, they should let me know,” she stated.

She said the initiative could also benefit future generations by creating more opportunities for them to engage in trading and other businesses.

According to her, extending trading hours could eventually increase sales and provide more people with opportunities to earn a living.

However, while some traders believe the initiative could create more business opportunities, others are worried about the practical challenges of operating deep into the night.

Some traders questioned whether there would be enough customers after normal working hours, while others raised concerns about security and the physical exhaustion that could come with working for longer hours.

The traders also expressed concern over the high cost of electricity and shop rents.

They said extending their businesses into the night could force them to purchase additional goods that may not sell, increasing the risk of losses.

However, one vendor said the proposed system could create more flexible opportunities for people who may not be able to trade during the day.

The vendor noted that “the 24-hour market could allow people to work flexible shifts or take on part-time selling opportunities outside regular morning/afternoon hours.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the proposed 24-hour market system believe it could give traders more opportunities to serve customers who are unable to shop during the day.

However, traders say the success of the initiative will depend on addressing concerns about security, operating costs, customer demand and the broader economic conditions affecting businesses.

ANAS/MA

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