The Member of Parliament for Oforikrom, Michael Kwasi Aidoo, has declared the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) 24-hour economy policy as "dead on arrival." He asserts that the government has abandoned this significant campaign promise, initially presented as a cornerstone for job creation.
Mr. Aidoo stated the policy was primarily for propaganda purposes, lacking a concrete implementation plan or necessary financial backing. He questioned the absence of a clear budgetary allocation, specifically mentioning a GHS 4 billion figure, to support its rollout. This critique comes as the government appears to shift focus to a 24-hour market initiative, which Aidoo argues is not the same as the broader economic policy.
This development fits into Ghana's ongoing political discourse surrounding economic strategies and employment generation. The 24-hour economy was a prominent feature of the NDC's campaign manifesto ahead of the 2024 general election. It aimed to create jobs through a three-shift system across various sectors, addressing persistent unemployment concerns. Previous economic data indicates a need for robust job creation policies to absorb Ghana's growing youth population into the workforce.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen talk programme, Mr. Aidoo argued that a 24-hour economy is largely driven by market demand, not simply by policy mandates. He stated, "No matter how you try to explain the 24-hour economy policy, it won’t sit well because it’s not something you can create through policy. Some things are demand-driven." This perspective suggests a fundamental disagreement on the feasibility and mechanism of implementing such an economic model.
The implications of this policy abandonment, if confirmed, are significant for public trust and future campaign promises. Voters will scrutinize the government's ability to deliver on its economic pledges, especially those related to job creation. Decision-makers will need to address concerns about policy consistency and the allocation of resources for economic development. The market's response to perceived policy shifts, particularly regarding business operating hours and consumer demand, will also be a key area to watch.
Mr. Aidoo further alleged that the government is attempting to convince Ghanaians that the 24-hour market initiative is identical to the original 24-hour economy policy. He maintained that Ghana's current economic realities do not support 24-hour markets, citing that even shopping malls close due to low demand. This highlights a potential disconnect between policy aspirations and practical market conditions.
The Oforikrom MP emphasized that after more than 18 months in office, the government has yet to roll out its major campaign promise. He questioned the timeline for its commencement, concluding that the 24-hour economy is effectively non-existent. This raises questions about the government's strategic planning and its capacity to execute ambitious economic reforms.
The debate over the 24-hour economy versus 24-hour markets reflects broader challenges in Ghana's economic landscape. These include stimulating demand, ensuring adequate infrastructure for extended operating hours, and addressing security concerns. The government's future communications on its economic agenda will be crucial in shaping public perception and investor confidence.
This political critique underscores the need for clear, well-articulated economic policies with transparent implementation plans. Without such clarity, public skepticism about government promises may increase. The ongoing discussion will likely influence voter sentiment as the country approaches the next general election.