The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has asserted that abandoning the 24-hour economy initiative after his presidency would be detrimental to Ghana’s progress.

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Speaking to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in an interview with Thomas Naadi ahead of Ghana’s December 7 elections, Mahama emphasized the transformative potential of the 24-hour economy, stressing that its benefits would extend beyond his administration.

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When asked about the continuity of the agenda after his term, Mahama stated, "Four years, is that the end of Ghana? So after four years, that's it? It would be Ghana's loss if the government that succeeds mine decides no longer to implement the 24-hour economy."Mahama explained that the concept is a gradual process and not a one-time event. "You can't put a cost on it immediately. A 24-hour economy is not an event; it is a process.

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And so, even while we are stabilizing the macroeconomic environment and bringing inflation down and interest rates down, we will be implementing the 24-hour economy."On whether the goal is achievable within four years, Mahama remarked, "We will start at least."A 24-hour economy refers to an economic system where businesses, services, and activities operate continuously throughout the day and night.

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This system encompasses various sectors, including retail, transportation, entertainment, and public services, catering to consumer needs at any time.Mahama emphasized at the 9th Ghana CEO Network Business Cocktail that the 24-hour economy policy would be a game-changer, pledging that a future NDC administration would actively pursue projects to transition Ghana into a fully-fledged 24-hour economy.

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He outlined that this vision aligns with the NDC's goal of creating an industrialized, inclusive, and resilient economy.In addition to the 24-hour economy, the former president addressed other pressing issues, including illegal mining (galamsey) and Ghana's controversial anti-LGBTQI bill. He stated that his administration would tackle illegal mining by halting operations in forest reserves and on water bodies.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by BBC News Africa (@bbcafrica)Regarding the ongoing prosecution of anti-galamsey protestors, Mahama criticized the high-handedness of the approach, describing it as excessive. "To be remanded to custody for two weeks because of going on a protest, I think it was high-handed," he said. He assured that he would direct the Attorney-General to "file a nolle prosequi and stop their prosecution.

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"The protests in question, held in September, led to the arrest of 53 demonstrators, including prominent activists Oliver Barker Vormawor, Grace Asantewaa, Felicity Nelson, and Elorm Ama Ababio, also known as Ama Governor. The charges against them range from unlawful assembly to assault on a public officer.

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On the anti-LGBTQI legislation, formally titled the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” Mahama noted that he would only assent to it after a thorough review. "It depends on what is in the Bill," he stated.The BBC interview also revealed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer and Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, declined a request for an interview.

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The broadcaster confirmed reaching out to both frontrunners, noting, "The BBC has asked for an interview with the other main presidential candidate, Ghana’s current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, but he has declined."The ruling party has yet to comment on Dr. Bawumia’s decision to decline the BBC’s invitation.

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