Ghanaian investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has expressed pessimism about the opposition National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) proposal to create a conducive environment for a 24-hour economy.
A 24-hour economy refers to an economic system where businesses, services, and activities operate continuously throughout the day and night, without interruption.
In such an economy, various sectors, including retail, transportation, entertainment, hospitality, and public services, remain open and accessible around the clock, catering to the needs of consumers at any time.
Manasseh Azure says he does not buy into the idea since the policy cannot operate without an efficient economy. According to him, the current productivity level does not compel companies to go beyond the 8-hour shift to hire more individuals since there is less demand for their goods or services.
“What have we been able to do with the 8 hours? We have not been able to fill the 8 hours with productivity. So for me, the 24-hour economy is not a policy and I have written about it. Alisa Hotels operates 24 hours because there is business. If you got to a printer who prints and there is work, nobody will tell the printer to do 24 hours, they will do it. If there is no work, they will shut down their machines and go to sleep. Some hospitals operate 24 hours. You cannot go to the ministries and tell them to operate 24 hours because you want to introduce a 24-hour policy.”
“That should be a by-product of development and productivity that will compel people to spend more hours, hire different shifts to work. “
When informed by Starr FM presenter, Bola Ray, that former President Mahama has promised to provide an enabling environment to ensure the policy is efficient during an interview, Manasseh described the stateman’s comments as “political talk” while emphasising the failure of the NPP government to move from taxation to production as promised years back.
“That is a political talk that doesn’t mean anything. They say they are creating enabling environment. Some people told us they are moving from taxation and borrowing from IMF. The problems we are facing now have not been resolved,” he added.
Mr Mahama, speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Network Business Cocktail, reiterated that the 24-hour economy policy is a game-changer due to careful consideration.
He pledged that a potential NDC administration would actively pursue projects and programs to transition Ghana into a fully-fledged 24-hour economy by optimizing existing resources.
Mahama outlined that the 24-hour economy aligns with the NDC’s vision to build the desired Ghana, focusing on creating an industrialized, inclusive, and resilient economy with well-paying jobs. The vision also includes developing safe communities, protecting the natural environment, building effective institutions, and enhancing Ghana’s role in African and international affairs.