Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has strongly criticized Minister Stephen Yakubu for suggesting that farmers might risk losing their wives if the 24-hour economy proposal by former President John Dramani Mahama is implemented.

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In a post shared on Sunday, November 26, 2023, Dr. Clement expressed shock at the regional minister's suggestion, pointing out that couples in war-torn countries still manage to maintain intimate relationships.

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Dr. Apaak accused Stephen Yakubu and other members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of making baseless statements against Mahama's policy proposal, suggesting that this is because they are aware that Ghanaians have embraced the idea.

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“What has a 24-hour economy got to do with farming at night and sleeping or not sleeping with wives at night? Don't men in 24-hour economies sleep with their wives? Even in war zones, couples manage to do the needful.

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“The comments of the Upper East Regional Minister in reaction to JM's much welcomed 24-hour economy proposal in the attached video typifies the silly and deliberate ignorance of Dr Bawumia and the NPP,” he wrote.

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He urged Ghanaians to disregard the assertions made by NPP members, saying they have nothing constructive to offer.

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“Indeed, Bawumia and the NPP have nothing to offer Ghanaians. Ghanaians are not that stupid to give the USELESS, corrupt, and reckless Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP gov't an extension in office.

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“No rational human being will choose a group that has inflicted such pain and suffering on him/her whiles living large as if there is no tomorrow. The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP gov't must pay dearly for the excruciating hardship they have subjected Ghanaians to,” the post concluded.

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ABOUT THE 24-HOUR ECONOMY

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What Bawumia and Mahama have said about the 24-hour economy proposal:

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The next NDC administration would implement policies to incentivize businesses in Ghana to remain open for business around the clock, according to former president John Dramani Mahama.

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He clarified that as part of the policy measure, businesses would be given incentives to operate day and night, potentially in three shifts, which would result in more jobs for Ghana's young people who work well together.

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He continued by saying that having a police force that can guarantee business protection during the night economy is essential to putting the 24-hour economy plan into action.

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“A new NDC administration will work urgently to equip our youth with the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable future. We will introduce a 24-hour economy with incentives and tax breaks for manufacturers who will run extra shifts to create more room for employment,” he said.

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However, some Ghanaians are not so thrilled about the former president's proposal. These people are primarily members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), including vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party's presidential candidate.

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On Monday, November 20, 2023, at a campaign event in Nalerigu, in the North East Region, Vice President Dr. Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), criticized the 24-hour economy policy proposal made by Mahama.

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It seems Mahama does not grasp the concept of a 24-hour economy, according to Bawumia, who clarified that the idea was not new to Ghana.

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“John Mahama says he has a new idea, what is this new idea, he says he wants a 24-hour economy. He doesn’t even understand that promise,” Bawumia told a teeming crowd up north on his first visit since his election as flagbearer.

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He listed among others; hospitals, power and fuel service providers and some chop bars, that are already operating 24 hours adding that thanks to digitalization, “you can transfer and receive money 24 hours.”

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“He (Mahama) doesn’t understand his own policy, it does not make sense. I want you to note in 2024 we are having a new vision. I will bring new policy and we will transform this country. John Mahama is the past, Dr. Bawumia is the future,” Bawumia added to cheers from the crowd.

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He again criticised the proposal at another campaign event calling it "a bad idea".

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“So, what is this 2024-hour economy, that you want to bring? It is purely an issue for any business. If you feel you would make money opening 24 hours; there is no law preventing you from opening.

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“But this is one idea that John Mahama thinks he has brought. It is a bad idea. It is an idea that has not been thought through. It is a bad idea,” he said.

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