24-Hour Economy will promote prostitution – NPP Chairman warns government

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman for the Manso Adubia Constituency, Kofi Acheampong, has criticised the government's proposed 24-hour economy policy, arguing that its current direction could inadvertently promote social vices if not properly planned and supervised.

Speaking on Angel FM in Kumasi, Acheampong questioned the implementation of the policy, claiming that what has so far been presented to the public appears to focus largely on the construction of markets rather than a broader economic transformation agenda.

According to him, the 24-hour economy initiative, which was a key campaign promise of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), risks falling short of its objectives if critical infrastructure challenges are not addressed.

“The 24-hour economy that was promised has become market building,” he stated.

Acheampong stressed that a successful 24-hour economy requires a reliable and uninterrupted power supply, expressing concern that persistent electricity challenges could undermine the policy's effectiveness.

“The lights can’t even stay on,” he remarked.

The NPP constituency chairman further suggested that market facilities could be misused during nighttime hours if proper operational guidelines and supervision mechanisms are not put in place.

“It seems the market they are coming to build is intended for prostitutes to use,” he alleged, arguing that markets without active occupants at night could become centres for activities outside their intended economic purpose.

Acheampong called on government officials to provide clearer details on how the policy will be implemented and managed to ensure it delivers the expected economic benefits while preventing potential abuse.

The NDC government has consistently maintained that the 24-hour economy policy is designed to increase productivity, create jobs, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth by encouraging businesses and institutions to operate in shifts around the clock.

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