The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NIA), Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, has expressed support for the feasibility of the 24-hour economy proposal made by former President John Dramani Mahama.

Contrary to assertions claiming the idea is unworkable, Dr Okoe-Boye stated that while the concept is not new and is already being practiced to some extent in the country, enhancing it, as suggested by Mahama, is commendable.

During a panel discussion on Metro TV's Good Morning Ghana on November 30, 2023, Dr Okoe-Boye emphasized that the focus should be on finding ways to increase the percentage of businesses operating around the clock.

“I’m not the kind who would say that a policy is not possible… I don’t walk in that realm. Everything that you think of is possible.

“24-hour economy has exited in some form, maybe let's say it is 1%, anybody that says we can take it to 20% is not dreaming - it is possible. But it is the detail that will show how fast you move… it is the details that would bring confidence in the practicality of the proposal being made. We have some percent of night activity, every government project is supposed to improve the percent,” he added.

Background:

Former President John Dramani Mahama has announced that a future NDC government will implement measures to promote 24-hour business operations in Ghana.

The proposed policy aims to incentivize businesses to operate continuously, potentially adopting three shifts and creating additional job opportunities for the country's youth. Mahama emphasized the importance of a robust police service to ensure the safety of businesses during the extended operating hours of the night economy.

“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, particularly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including the party's presidential candidate Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, have expressed reservations about the former president's proposal.

During a campaign event in Nalerigu, in the North East Region, on Monday, November 20, 2023, Vice President Dr Bawumia criticized Mahama's 24-hour economy policy proposition.

Bawumia argued that the concept of a 24-hour economy was not new to Ghana, suggesting that Mahama might not fully grasp the intricacies of the idea.

“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.

Watch Dr Okoe Boye’s remarks in the video below: