Abotsi proposes local economic development model to drive Ghana’s 24-hour economy

Confidence E. Abotsi

Development and Management Practitioner Confidence E. Abotsi has proposed a framework for implementing Ghana’s 24-hour economy through local economic development, entrepreneurship and resource-based industrialisation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with newsmen, Mr Abotsi, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Employment and Job Creation Manifesto Committee, said the success of the policy would depend largely on translating it into productive activities at the local level.

He explained that communities must identify, develop and utilise their available resources to establish value-added industries capable of creating jobs, generating revenue and accelerating economic growth.

Mr Abotsi noted that although Ghana’s national unemployment rate declined from 14.7% in 2023 to 13.0%, youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 35 remained high at 21.9%.

He described the situation as a crisis, particularly because it was compounded by underemployment and unstable, low-paying jobs.

According to him, Ghana must abandon its traditional dependence on government institutions as the main source of employment and instead promote enterprise development, local production and entrepreneurship.

Using Central Tongu and the wider Tongu enclave in the Volta Region as an example, Mr Abotsi said the area possessed significant economic potential in water resources, clay deposits, arable land and tourism.

He said these resources could support the development of value chains in agriculture, agro-processing, fisheries, manufacturing and tourism.

Mr Abotsi therefore urged stakeholders to fully harness the resources available in the area to strengthen the 24-hour economy, create employment opportunities and increase revenue generation.