The Member of Parliament for Oforikrom, Michael Kwasi Aidoo, has criticised the government’s 24-hour economy policy, describing it as “dead on arrival” and accusing the NDC of abandoning one of its major campaign promises.
Mr Aidoo argued that the policy, which was presented as a key part of the NDC’s 2024 election campaign, has not seen any meaningful implementation since the party assumed office.
He said the government is now shifting attention to the 24-hour market initiative, which he believes is different from the original 24-hour economy concept promised to Ghanaians.
According to him, a 24-hour economy cannot be created through policy alone because it depends largely on market demand.
“No matter how you try to explain the 24-hour economy policy, it won’t sit well because it’s not something you can create through policy. Some things are demand-driven,” he said.
Mr Aidoo noted that the NDC promoted the policy as a way of creating jobs through a three-shift system across various sectors.
“It was a major policy for them and was the anchor of their manifesto. We expected they would create jobs that would accommodate three shifts and reduce unemployment,” he stated.
He questioned the government’s ability to fund the policy, citing the absence of a clear budgetary allocation.
“Look at the budget. Where are they going to get the GH¢4 billion for the policy? It’s not feasible,” he said.
The Oforikrom MP accused the government of trying to present 24-hour markets as the same as the broader 24-hour economy policy.
“So the government has now run away from the policy and is now doing 24-hour markets. They are forcing it into the minds of Ghanaians that it is the same as the 24-hour economy,” he argued.
He maintained that Ghana’s current economic conditions do not support a full 24-hour market system, pointing out that many businesses close at night due to low demand.
“Ghana is not a country where markets run for 24 hours. Even malls close at a point because there is no demand,” he said.
Mr Aidoo further accused the NDC of using the policy mainly as a campaign tool and called on the government to be truthful about its feasibility.
“I think it was for propaganda. They should put their egos aside and tell Ghanaians the truth that it is not feasible,” he said.
He questioned why the policy has not been rolled out after more than a year in government.
“After one and a half years in government, your major campaign promise has not started. When will it start? As it stands now, the 24-hour economy is dead on arrival,” he concluded.
