Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu,argues that many husbands will be prevented from executing their marital responsibilities to their wives should the 24-hour economy suggested by former President John Mahama be implemented.

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A 24-hour economy, also known as a 24/7 economy, refers to an economic system where businesses and services operate around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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In a 24-hour economy, the traditional working hours of 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, are extended, allowing businesses to operate continuously without closing during the night or on weekends.

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Former President Mahama is yet to present a framework for this policy but already, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and other New Patriotic Party (NPP) members have shut down this policy.

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Now according to Mr Yakubu, that husbands could risk losing their wives due to their absence as a result of the policy.

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Engaging some NPP supporters, he said: "This 24-hour economy, my brothers, when we work in the farms and we are tired in the night, we have to sleep with our wives oh. We have to be with our wives. In the night, you want them to also be farming and people will come and take our wives away. We have to be careful about this 24-hour thing," he said.

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Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has indicated that interested institutions who sign onto the 24-hour economy initiative will enjoy some tax incentives.

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According to him, no institution will be compelled to participate. The former President made this known at an engagement with students of the St. Joseph's College of Education at Bechem as the 'Building Ghana Tour' kicked off in the Ahafo Region.

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"It is not by force. When we come, we'll open it. The initiative is available, any company that wants to work a shift system and work more than the eight hours that they normally work from eight o'clock to five o'clock, they will sign on. We will give them tax incentives because if you work the extra shift, you will be given tax breaks. Aside from that, you'll be provided with security and everything that you need to be able to employ more people," he said.

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Meanwhile, the former president assures that a team of experts is working to finalise the policy document. On the issue, financial experts and political analysts such as Joe Jackson and Theo Acheampong say such a policy will augur well for the economy by helping creating more jobs.

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Several countries around the world have aspects of a 24-hour economy, where certain services and businesses operate continuously, often beyond traditional working hours.

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In major cities like New York City, Las Vegas, and parts of Los Angeles, businesses such as restaurants, convenience stores, and entertainment venues operate 24/7. Countries like Brazil, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom and Singapore have all incorporated the 24-hour economy in some parts of its cities.

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