The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has questioned the implementation of the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy programme, arguing that there is little evidence of progress nearly two years into the administration.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament while seconding a motion for the adoption of the Economy and Development Committee’s report, the Ofoase-Ayirebi MP said Parliament had approved close to GH¢650 billion for government programmes over the past two years, yet the 24-Hour Economy initiative had failed to produce visible results.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah noted that the policy was built around the “one job, three people, three shifts” model, popularly known as the “1-3-3” concept, which was expected to create jobs and promote round-the-clock production.
However, he argued that the government has been unable to point to a single public institution currently operating under the model.
“For all the stories that were told and all the promises that accompanied the 24-Hour Economy, almost two years after assuming office, there is not one government agency implementing the one-three-three model,” he told Parliament.
He further questioned the government’s focus on constructing 24-hour markets, arguing that infrastructure alone would not create a vibrant round-the-clock economy.
“You do not create a 24-hour economy simply by putting up buildings. Production must increase, businesses must have customers, and there must be demand for goods and services,” he said.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah also criticised the delay in rolling out incentives for businesses to operate additional shifts, insisting that the private sector requires clear policy support before embracing the programme.
“After approving close to GH¢650 billion in expenditure over the last two years, Ghanaians deserve to know: where exactly is the 24-Hour Economy they were promised?” he asked.
