New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has questioned the practicality of the government’s 24-hour economy policy, arguing that extending business activities into the night may not be suitable for every type of trader.
Speaking at the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Dr Bawumia used market women who sell koobi (salted and dried fish) as an example, questioning whether such traders would have enough customers to justify operating late at night.
He argued that the policy should take into account the nature of individual businesses and actual consumer demand.
Bawumia Criticises 24-Hour Economy Jobs Promise
Dr Bawumia’s comments formed part of a broader attack on the Mahama administration’s implementation of the 24-hour economy, which he claims has not delivered the employment opportunities promised during the NDC’s campaign.
According to the former Vice President, the NDC promoted a “1 job, 3 shifts and 3 people (1-3-3)” model as a major strategy for creating jobs for Ghanaian youth.
However, he argued that nearly two years into the administration, the promised employment opportunities have yet to materialise.
Dr Bawumia said young graduates and artisans who supported the NDC because of its promise of increased job opportunities are still waiting to benefit from the initiative.
He further described the implementation of the policy as a “24-hour demolition exercise”, referring to demolitions associated with plans to establish 24-hour markets.
Bawumia Raises Concerns Over Other NDC Campaign Promises
The NPP flagbearer also listed several other areas where he believes the government has failed to meet its campaign commitments.
He cited the Women’s Development Bank, which he said was established as a proposed source of financial support for market women but had not yet started benefiting them.
Dr Bawumia also criticised electricity tariffs, arguing that businesses were promised lower power costs under the 24-hour economy but are instead facing significant electricity bills.
He mentioned businesses including barbering shops, hair salons and bakeries, saying rising electricity costs are placing additional pressure on small businesses.
Bawumia Criticises Government’s Handling of Galamsey
The former Vice President also raised concerns about the government’s approach to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He recalled the NDC’s promises to tackle illegal mining within a short period and restore polluted rivers and other water bodies.
However, Dr Bawumia claimed that galamsey has worsened under the current administration, describing the situation as a failure to deliver on its campaign commitments.
Free SHS and Other Policies
Dr Bawumia also criticised the government’s implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
He argued that the programme has deteriorated despite promises by the NDC to improve it.
He further questioned the government’s performance on commitments involving cocoa producer prices, automatic postings for teachers and nurses, and the Nkoko Nkitikiti programme.
According to him, several of these promises have not produced the results that Ghanaians were expecting.
Bawumia Credits Gold Purchase Programme for Cedi Stability
On the economy, Dr Bawumia attributed the relative stability of the Ghanaian cedi to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
He recalled that the Bank of Ghana introduced the programme in June 2021 following his recommendation, arguing that it helped strengthen the country’s foreign exchange position and protect the cedi against external shocks.
Dr Bawumia claimed that the programme has contributed to the stability of the cedi as well as the easing of inflation and interest rates.
He, however, accused the current government of suffering significant losses through its management of the initiative.
He cautioned that even an effective economic policy can become costly when poorly managed.
Government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy
The government has presented the 24-hour economy as an economic strategy designed to extend business and industrial activity beyond traditional working hours.
The policy is intended to support job creation, increase productivity, boost private-sector activity and stimulate economic growth.
The debate over the implementation of the 24-hour economy is expected to remain a major issue in Ghana’s political discourse as the country approaches the 2028 general election.
Source: newsthemegh.com