Local Government Minister Rejects Plan to Convert Tendamba Primary School into 24-Hour Market

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has stated that the Wa Municipal Assembly intention to relocate the 70-year old Tendamba Primary School for a 24-hour Market does not have the approval of the government.

The Minister made the clarification on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, during a meeting with the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, following public backlash over reports suggesting that the over 70-year-old school would be collapsed for market construction.

“I heard in the news yesterday that a school is being converted to a 24-hour market. Kuoro, it is not coming from my ministry, and I don’t think President Mahama will endorse that,” Mr. Ibrahim stated. “So, we will not collapse the school to build a market.”

“If it is a school, don’t go and raise down a school that is over 70 years old,” he cautioned, stressing that the Tendamba Primary School proposal did not originate from either the Office of the President or his ministry.

His comments come amid strong resistance from residents of Wa Municipality, including members of the school’s Management Committee and past students, who have raised concerns about the potential loss of an important educational and historical institution.

The Minister emphasized that while the government remains firmly committed to the implementation of the 24-hour market policy, the process does not involve the destruction of existing schools or other critical social infrastructure.

“Even if somebody has taken those steps, that person needs to consult the Minister of Local Government,” he said, adding that the government’s policy requires extensive consultation before land is secured for market projects.

Mr. Ibrahim explained that under the 24-hour economy initiative, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) are mandated to work closely with traditional authorities, consultants and regional ministers to identify suitable and strategic locations for market construction.

“It is not the Minister for Local Government or the President who will go and be searching for land,” he noted. “All DCEs were tasked to liaise with the traditional authorities and look for a strategic location for the construction of a market.”

According to him, location selection must consider accessibility, proximity to customers and raw materials, and, most importantly, the views of the people who will use the market.

The Minister disclosed that government plans to construct 261 markets across 261 districts nationwide, all of which are expected to operate on a 24-hour basis. However, he was categorical that such projects must be sited appropriately.

He assured stakeholders that the Wa Municipality would still benefit from a 24-hour market project, but through proper engagement and consensus-building.

“The market must be built, but get forces together, pull ideas together, consult together, and you will get another strategic location where the market must be built,” he said.

Mr. Ibrahim further warned against repeating past mistakes, referencing the controversial demolition of judges’ bungalows for the National Cathedral project, urging authorities to learn lessons from previous decisions.