The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sharply criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s plan for a 24-hour economy, dismissing the proposal as a “hoax” and “fraudulent.”
NPP leaders argue that the NDC’s plan, introduced by former President John Mahama, lacks clarity and feasibility, and serves as a mere political tactic to win votes.
The NDC’s 24-hour economy policy, which aims to create employment opportunities—particularly for young Ghanaians—proposes a three-shift work system to boost job creation and combat the country’s high unemployment rates.
However, NPP officials have questioned the viability of the plan, calling it misleading and claiming it lacks a foundation in Ghana’s current economic realities.
In a media address, NPP Communications Director Richard Kwame Ahiagba claimed the NDC had failed to explain in practical terms how the 24-hour economy would function.
“The NDC has not provided a clear, realistic blueprint for how a 24-hour economy would operate in Ghana,” Ahiagba stated, adding that such a system would require a robust daytime economy to support continuous activity around the clock.
Ahiagba emphasized that implementing a 24-hour economy typically requires a high-performing economy that generates sufficient demand to justify extended work hours. “Across the world, 24-hour economies are usually found in high-functioning urban centers with strong infrastructures.
For Ghana, the daytime economy must first perform at optimal levels to support any extended operations,” he argued.
Addressing NDC’s claims, Ahiagba underscored the NPP’s job creation achievements, asserting that since taking office in 2017, the party has created 2.3 million jobs, a figure he argued reflects the government’s commitment to economic growth.
This figure contrasts slightly with recent statements by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who cited a total of 2.6 million jobs.
The NPP’s criticisms have intensified as the December 7 election approaches, with economic strategies proving to be a central campaign issue.
Ahiagba urged Ghanaians to scrutinize the NDC’s proposals and cautioned against what he described as “wishful thinking” on economic policies, calling the 24-hour economy concept “unrealistic for Ghana’s current economic state.”
Despite pushback from the NPP, the NDC has defended the 24-hour economy policy, stating it would stimulate economic activity and provide more job opportunities for Ghana’s youth.
However, the NPP maintains that the opposition has failed to present a feasible model, calling on the NDC to clarify how it would ensure the high economic demand needed to sustain round-the-clock business operations.
As both parties continue to outline their visions for Ghana’s economic future, voters will soon decide which path offers the most realistic and beneficial approach to the nation’s economic challenges.
Source : Www.kumasimail.com
