The 24-hour economy policy proposed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sparked a heated debate among political parties and experts.
The policy, which aims to create more jobs and boost productivity by extending economic activities beyond the usual working hours, has been criticised by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as unrealistic and unoriginal.
Discussing the policy on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, NPP former Member of Parliament for Adenta, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, challenged the NDC to produce a document on the 24-hour economy idea, saying slogans will not bring the idea into being.
He also said that the NPP’s independent presidential candidate, Alan Kyerematen, has been focusing on the real drivers of the economy, such as capital and access to capital.
NPP’s Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, also said the 24-hour economy proposal is not innovative, and that the NDC has not done the basics to make it feasible.
He said the NPP has already implemented policies that support a 24-hour economy, such as digitalisation, stable electricity, and improved infrastructure.
However, the NDC’s Malik Basintake, a member of the manifesto drafting committee, defended the 24-hour economy policy as a game changer that will increase the growth rate and create more employment opportunities.
He assured that the NDC has a comprehensive document that outlines the sectoral figures and the implementation plan for the policy.
He also accused the NPP’s vice presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, of contradicting himself and pooh-poohing the policy instead of preaching his own message.
Dr Bawumia had stated that the 24-hour economy policy does not make sense, as many sectors and services in Ghana already work 24 hours, such as hospitals, electricity company, water company, fuel stations, chop bars, and money transfer.
The NDC’s policy, he said, would not be possible under dumsor and urged the voters to reject the NDC’s idea and vote for him in 2024, as he will bring a new vision and policy for the country.