Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticized the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led government for deviating from the 40-year national development plan and instead adopting the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda.

Mr Mahama asserts that this shift has turned Ghana into a "beggar nation" and argues that the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda has proven ineffective in achieving its intended objectives.

He expressed these views at the 9th Ghana CEO Network Business Cocktail.

“Unfortunately, the present government discarded the 40-year plan and replaced it with a Ghana Beyond Aid plan that has turned Ghana into a beggar nation," he said.

In presenting an alternative solution, Former President John Dramani Mahama proposed the "24-hour economy" as a well-thought-out initiative.

“The 24-hour economy initiative was well-thought-through and captured on page 105 of the NDC’s 2020 People’s Manifesto. Indeed, its roots emanate from the 40-year National Development Plan, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) put together when I was President," he explained.

Mahama further said “Undoubtedly, the economic catastrophe we face is self-inflicted and caused by this government. However, for the sake of Ghanaians and the future of our dear country, we cannot allow the status quo to continue.”

The former president voiced apprehensions about the 2024 budget, contending that it introduces burdensome taxes that negatively impact businesses.

Despite these challenges, he maintains optimism and a commitment to implementing his 24-hour economic plan as a strategy to rejuvenate the economy, should he be elected as president.