Vice President of policy think tank Imani Africa, Bright Simons, has described the “24-hour economy” proposal as more aspirational than a specific policy proposal.
Responding to tweets and questions from a cross section of Twitter users about why CSO folks are not probing NDC’s “24-hour economy” policy just like they did with the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP’s) Free SHS policy proposal, Bright Simons indicated that what the NDC is proposing cannot be a tangible policy statement.
“More critical, at least for me, is that “24-hour economy” sounds more like an aspirational “policy VISION” than a specific policy itself. Like Kuffour-era “Golden Age of Business” or “War on Indiscipline’’. Hard to probe those’’ he tweeted.
The perennial presidential candidate of the opposition NDC, John Dramani Mahama, has said that if given the nod as president, the government he would lead would implement a “24-hour economy” policy that would change the country’s economy.
Describing it as a game-changer, the former president is using the “24-hour economy” mantra as his key campaign message for the 2024 elections. Just like the NPP relied on the policy proposals of Free SHS, 1D1F, 1 Village 1 Dam, etc, Mahama’s main driving force is the 24-hour mantra.
What has, however, become synonymous with the “24-hour economy” policy is its lack of clarity and what it entails. This has been manifested in so many ways by key members of the NDC articulating some weird ideas to represent the proposal.
National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah understands the “24-hour economy” as giving electricity to foundry workers and welders at half prices to work in the night.
Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa explained it as the cancellation of ex-gratia and building airports in all regional capitals. Felix Kwakye-Ofosu is of the view that people selling waakye during the night constitutes “24-hour economy”.
Professor Grace Ayensu Danquah referred Ghanaians to what happens abroad and that whoever does not understand the policy lacks common sense.
Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo defined the “24-hour economy” as weeding with torchlights during the night. Dr. William Atta Owusu said that the “24-hour economy” would see to the rearing of lions, tigers and other wild animals.
The policy proposal appears to have no substantial ingredients for which the electorate can digest and make an informed decision on, looking at the several definitions provided for it by the members of the NDC.
This lack of clarity on what exactly the “24-hour economy” represents has informed Bright Simons to describe it as empty since it fails to define what it constitutes. Several other Ghanaians have asked what the “24-hour economy” is and the answers are not forthcoming.