Public sector approach to 24-hour economy fundamentally flawed — Dr. Amin Adam

Former Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has criticised the government’s approach to implementing the 24-hour economy policy.

He observed that the policy is currently heavily skewed towards the public sector, a move he described as economically unsustainable.

He argues that the current strategy may overstretch state institutions without corresponding increases in staffing, funding, or efficiency gains.

The 24-hour economy policy, a flagship initiative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, has been positioned as a job creation and productivity expansion framework.

However, Dr. Amin Adam argues that the policy, as currently being implemented, lacks clear incentives for the private sector, which he says is central to its success.

In a social media post on Wednesday, May 20, the Karaga MP questioned the viability of the approach being pursued by government.

“The 24-hour economy remains a slogan. I have observed a pattern where government is forcing public agencies to operate 24 hours without increasing staff,” he stated.

He cautioned that any attempt to expand public sector employment significantly under the policy would place undue pressure on the national wage bill.

“The policy, if it will survive, should be private sector led, yet the government has failed to provide the incentive package promised in the 2026 Budget,” he noted.