Hassan Ayariga Seeks Clarity on Shift from 24-Hour Markets to District Model Markets
Hassan Ayariga, Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), has called on the government to clarify whether the change from “24-hour Markets” to “District Model Markets” represents a rebranding of the initiative or a shift in policy direction. In a statement issued on Monday, October 5, he said the 24-hour Market concept had become closely linked to the government’s flagship 24-hour Economy policy and provided a clear identity for the initiative. Mr Ayariga said if the government intends to expand the programme by developing modern markets across the districts, that objective should be clearly communicated to the public. He suggested that “24 Hour District Model Markets” could be used to preserve the link with the 24-hour Economy policy while reflecting the broader scope of the programme.
Mr Ayariga warned that dropping the “24 Hour” identity without an explanation could create uncertainty about whether the original concept remains part of the government’s 24-hour Economy agenda. He said his concerns were based on the need for policy consistency, accountability and clear communication, rather than political point-scoring. “We therefore respectfully ask: Is the 24 Hour Market concept still an integral part of the government’s 24 Hour Economy policy, or has there been a change in policy direction?” he asked. The government has announced plans to review and remodel the 24-hour market initiative, with District Model Markets expected to reflect the revised scope, prompting Mr Ayariga to seek clarity on whether the change is simply a rebranding or a substantive policy adjustment.
