The Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, commended former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their initiative in proposing the 24-hour economy.

During a panel discussion on Metro TV's Good Morning Ghana program on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP acknowledged the smart decision behind the proposal.

However, he pointed out that the genesis of the 24-hour economy proposal can be traced back to the implementation of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) program by the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.

“The NDC literally has been smart to see that the 1D1F is a very solid foundation to do what they are claiming to want to do. They cannot dispute the fact that the concept of manufacturing which Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been pushing hard lays a very strong foundation for this concert (the 24-hour economy).

“Kudos to the NDC, for rebranding, repacking 1D1F… The 24-hour economy literally for me is a rebranding of the 1D1F," he said.

The Anyaa-Sowutuom legislator added, “… I have always said that as much as men grow, we intend to do something that has always been done, we never really discover”.

The NPP lawmaker continued by expressing his satisfaction that Ghana's two main political parties have recognized the necessity of industrialization for the country's economic expansion and the improvement of citizens' quality of life.

Background:

Former President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the next NDC government intends to implement measures to promote 24-hour operations for businesses in Ghana.

He detailed that the policy approach would involve providing incentives for businesses to operate around the clock, potentially in three shifts, thereby creating more employment opportunities for Ghana's burgeoning youth population.

Mahama emphasized the crucial role of a robust police service in ensuring the successful implementation of the 24-hour economy strategy. This, he explained, would be vital for the protection of businesses operating during nighttime hours.

“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.

Some Ghanaians, mostly from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), including the presidential candidate of the party, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, however, are not so enthused about the former president’s proposal.

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

Bawumia explained that the idea of a 24-hour economy was not new to Ghana and that it appeared Mahama does not understand the concept.

“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.

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.”

“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.

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

“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.

“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.