The Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), His Excellency John Dramani Mahama in a recent meeting with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) promised to implement a 24 hour economy by the next NDC government.
Industry players, politicians and other interest groups have expressed optimism and varied opinions on the proposal and are interested in the fine details.
A 24 hour economy ensures that products and services are available around the clock for consumers; the effective running of such an economy hinges on the availability of human resource and capital for its growth and expansion.
The current unemployment situation in the country is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode and our only hope as Ghanaians is a policy that can help reduce the current situation we have at hand.
According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), 3.9% of the population falls within the unemployment rate in Ghana. Ghana’s industralisation drive has not seen much improvement due to the haphazardness of the one district, one factory policy being implemented by the current government.
A 24 hour economy is plausible and possible because some factories, hospitals, bus terminals and eateries currently run a similar system in some parts of the country.
The Flag bearer during one of his town hall meetings elaborated on the policy. According to him, institutions such as fuel stations, hospitality industries, mining and extraction industries, construction companies, garbage collection companies and a few others would be encouraged to embrace this policy.
To ensure a successful implementation, Former President John Dramani Mahama promised an enhanced security, tax incentives and a subsidy in electricity tariffs to companies interested in partnering government.
One key sector that stands to benefit from the 24 hour economy is the local government sector, most district assemblies can now expand their operations by employing more human resource to help with the collection of taxes and tolls for the government, the assemblies through this initiative can also accrue some additional revenue as internally generated funds.
I am of the firm conviction that with the support of Ghanaians, the flag bearer of the NDC would deliver on this promise.
In 2016, President Mahama supported local pharmaceutical companies with a $45 million dollar facility to aid their growth and expansion. His establishment of the Ghana EXIM bank in 2016 is an ample evidence of his commitment to growth and industrialization.
Cities such as Cairo, Beirut, London, Madrid, Buenos Aires and Paris are all running a 24 hour economy and this has opened up the economies of these cities, it has also created more jobs and opportunities for residents.
Improved service delivery, more job opportunities and economic growth are some of the benefits of a 24 hour economy.
It is therefore worth sharing that, this noble course be supported to bring the needed progress and development in our beloved country.
Mustapha Jimah
Communication Team Member, Ablekuma Central NDC [email protected]
0262677946
Pointing out the ills of NPP government not enough; tell us what you can do — Mi...
April 27: Cedi sells at GHS13.78 to $1, GHS13.18 on BoG interbank
Worry about the furniture problem in basic schools; not how to paint schools in ...
Ramaphosa lauds ANC record as S.Africa celebrates democracy
Ghana needs new counter-terrorism Act to tackle radicalised youth – CISA
Kumasi Central Prison triple its capacity to 1800 inmates
By-election: Ejisu is destined for NPP – Ahiagbah
Don't travel to volatile regions in northern Mali — Ministry of Foreign Affair t...
ILO’s claim of depleting reserves false, we have funds to pay pensions — SSNIT
Benin police fire tear gas to break up union protest
