Mahama should have implemented 24-hour economy in first term if he can do it — Richard Ahiagbah

Former President John Dramani Mahama

The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) National Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah has questioned why former President John Mahama did not implement his proposed 24-hour economy policy during his first term in office from 2012 to 2016.

In a post on social media on Friday, November 17, Mr Ahiagbah argues that a 24-hour economy is not a new idea originated by Mr Mahama, as he claims.

"When JM was Vice President in 2009, Kenya constituted a National 24-hour Economy Steering Committee to explore the idea. JM became President in 2012-2016, why did he not implement the 24-hour economy because the idea was available to him to copy?" the NPP communicator quizzes.

He added, "a 24-hour economy cannot happen in a vacuum" and requires "enabling factors" like industrialization, manufacturing, energy and tourism policies to support it.

"First, JM must start by discussing his enabling factors plan that will give impetus to the 24-hour economy."

“Until we see JM's enabling policy plan, his 24-hour economy idea remains a populist stunt akin to a student who vows to score straight A's but is known to be such a student or does not have a study plan that demonstrates how he/she would arrive at the desired result of straight A's. It is just talk at this point. Populism as always," Mr Ahiagbah wrote.