Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Not New

 – NPP

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has asked the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, to stop acting as though his proposed 24-hour economy policy is novel.

The Director of Communications of the governing party, Richard Ahiagbah, said the policy is nothing new, as it is practiced elsewhere in different economies within the African continent.

He questioned why, before now and when Mr. Mahama was vice president and president, the policy was being implemented in places, like Kenya, he never saw the need to replicate same during his tenure.

His position was also supported by a presidential staffer, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who says what is being proposed is already in place in certain institutions, like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Mr. Ahiagbah, in his argument, guessed that that did not happen probably because of the endless power challenges that engulfed his administration.

“The NDC should stop posturing as though the concept of a 24-hour economy is an original idea coughed up by H.E John Mahama. It is not a new idea, at all.

“When JM was Vice President in 2009, Kenya constituted a National 24-hour Economy Steering Committee to explore the idea. JM became President in 2012-2016, why did he not implement the 24-hour economy, because the idea was available to him to copy?  Was it because of Dumsor? Or the 24-hour economy does not require stable electricity?”

According to him, the policy, which has been welcomed by the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) is not a standalone concept, insisting the policy requires certain factors that can drive it.

He claimed that the policy cannot be implemented on nothing, and that the former president needs to come out with that plan to spearhead it.

“The truth is that the 24-hour economy is not a standalone idea or policy. It requires enabling factors like industrialization or manufacturing, energy, tourism, and associated policies or factors to drive it. In other words, a 24-hour economy cannot happen in a vacuum.

“So, it is not the first thing to say that, I will introduce a 24-hour economy, and boom it becomes a game changer! First, JM must start by discussing his enabling factors plan that will give impetus to the 24-hour economy,”Ahiagbah pointed out.

He said, until that is done, the policy will remain just a populist move built on no solid grounds to take off.

“Until we see JM’s enabling policy plan, his 24-hour economy idea remains a populist stunt, akin to a student who vows to score straight A’s, but is known to be such a student or does not have a study plan that demonstrates how he/she would arrive at the desired result of straight A’s. It is just talk at this point. Populism as always.

“{The NDC cannot be an alternative for Ghana, because their policy bag is empty…there is nothing in there to offer Ghanaians.

“My plea is for Ghanaians to keep faith with the NPP because we have the answers, and we will deliver. The economy is coming back…

“Dr. Bawumia is the man to continue the economic recovery…,” he argued on his X page.

Mahama’s Aide hits back

But reacting to these concerns, an aide to the former president, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has said the 24-hour economy should be supported to ensure the needed economic development under an NDC administration.

She explained that Mr. Mahama is aware that some private sector companies are already doing this, but wants more private sector companies and key state enterprises to work 24 hours.

In a tweet, sighted by The Anchor, Joyce Bawah Mogtari said, “The Leader of the NDC, HE John Mahama, has proposed a policy which will stimulate economic growth and employment through a deliberate policy of a future NDC government to ensure that Ghana develops and sustains a 24-hour economy.

“He is aware that some private sector companies are already doing this, but believes that with the right incentives, regulations, taxation, safety and security, infrastructure and intentional investment, government can stimulate an effective strategy to increase productivity and reduce unemployment if more private sector companies and key state enterprises can work 24 hours. For example, the ports, transportation industry, manufacturing and many others.

“What we will require is your knowledge, expertise and support to enable government implement this policy strategically and efficiently!”

Source: Anchorghana.com