Following John Dramani Mahama’s announcement about the potential implementation of a 24-hour economy policy by a new NDC government, a public debate has ensued regarding the practicality of such a proposal.
In a recent public address in the Northern Region, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and NPP flagbearer, contested Mahama’s understanding of the 24-hour economy concept, asserting that it is already in practice within certain sectors of the economy.
Bawumia’s comments faced criticism from various quarters, including opposition party members, NDC, economists, and social commentators. Notable individuals expressing their disapproval of the vice president’s remarks include:
Sam Nartey George (MP for Ningo-Prampram): Sam George criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his critique of former President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy proposal.
In a post on X on Thursday, November 23, 2023, Sam George characterized Bawumia’s attack on Mahama as indicative of individuals with ‘mediocre minds.’ George highlighted the absence of outlined policies from the vice president aimed at improving Ghana’s economy, pointing out that Bawumia has chosen to criticize someone with a formulated plan for the country.
“When great minds are discussing and proposing transformational ideas for our economy, mediocre minds embark on a campaign attacking the great mind and his ideas. What a King Ahab type of mentality.”
University of Ghana Senior Lecturer, Prof Kobby Mensah, criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his remarks on the proposed ’24-hour economy’ policy. Mensah urged the vice president to focus on outlining the policies he envisions for transforming Ghana, rather than critiquing others’ proposals.
“Can someone tell Bawumia to stop complaining about someone’s 24hr economy and tell us what he’s got…” the academic wrote.
Dr. Clement Abas Apaak the Builsa South Member of Parliament, also Ranking member of the Education Committee, conveyed surprise and dissatisfaction with the vice president’s criticism of the policy.
He highlighted that Dr. Bawumia had benefited from such an economy during his educational and career journey, making him the least likely person to criticize it.
“How can DMB, who undertook his entire university education [1st, 2nd, 3rd degrees], lived and worked in countries with 24-Hour Economies before returning to Ghana say a proposal to make Ghana a 24-hour economy is bad?
“Bad idea? How can a proposal he knows has obvious transformational effects be bad for a nation like ours struggling to deal with unemployment. The overwhelming endorsement of JM’s 24-Hour Economy proposal and DMB’s dishonest reaction has exposed him as petty,” his post read.
Media personality and TV presenter Bridget Otoo joined those criticizing the vice president for his comments. In a post, she asserted that Dr. Bawumia lacks the capability to address economic issues and lacks a vision or policy of his own.
This ongoing public discourse underscores the exchange of viewpoints among political figures regarding economic policies and the vision for Ghana’s future.
“The liar in chief @MBawumia thinks it’s 2015/16 on his book-economist campaign. May I remind him that it’s 2023, he hasn’t been able to show that he’s capable of fixing anything in the economy. Instead of critiquing someone’s policy can he actually tell what his own “vision” is?” her post also read.