Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has criticized the NDC government's 24-hour economy policy, questioning its practicality for some businesses. Speaking at the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Dr. Bawumia cited market women selling koobi as an example, arguing that such traders may not have sufficient demand to operate at night. He claimed that even NDC members do not understand why a market woman would sell koobi at night.
Dr. Bawumia's comments formed part of a broader criticism of the Mahama administration's implementation of the 24-hour economy, which he said had failed to deliver the jobs promised to young people. He claimed that the NDC campaigned on a "1 job, 3 shifts and 3 people (1-3-3)" model but the expected jobs had not materialized nearly two years into the administration. Dr. Bawumia said young graduates and artisans who supported the NDC based on the promise of increased employment were still waiting for the opportunities.
Dr. Bawumia described the government's approach to the policy as a "24-hour demolition exercise," referring to demolitions carried out in connection with plans for 24-hour markets. He said the promised 24-hour economy jobs had turned into 24-hour demolition of buildings for so-called 24-hour markets, which even the NDC cannot explain. The NPP flagbearer accused the government of failing to fulfill several other campaign promises.
Dr. Bawumia cited the Women's Development Bank, which he said was intended to support market women but had not opened its doors to a single woman. He also criticized electricity tariffs, saying businesses that were promised lower electricity costs under the 24-hour economy were instead facing increased bills. Many young businesses, such as barber shops, hair salons, and bread bakeries, are struggling to survive due to high electricity costs.
On illegal mining, Dr. Bawumia said the NDC had promised to end galamsey within months but claimed the situation had worsened under its watch. He also criticized the implementation of the Free SHS programme, saying it had deteriorated despite promises by the NDC to improve it. Furthermore, Dr. Bawumia described the government's promises on cocoa pricing, automatic postings for teachers and nurses, and the Nkoko Nkitikiti programme as unfulfilled.
Dr. Bawumia credited the relative stability of the cedi to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, which he said was launched by the Bank of Ghana in June 2021 following his recommendation. He claimed that the programme saved the economy from a serious crisis and revamped the Cedi. However, Dr. Bawumia alleged that the government was making unprecedented losses on the programme.
The government's 24-hour economy policy aims to extend economic activity beyond traditional working hours, with objectives of creating jobs, increasing productivity, and stimulating economic growth. Dr. Bawumia's criticism of the policy has highlighted concerns about its practicality and effectiveness in achieving its goals. The NPP flagbearer has promised to provide better solutions for Ghana's economic challenges if elected.
Key points
- Dr. Bawumia criticizes NDC's 24-hour economy policy as impractical and ineffective.
- The policy has failed to deliver promised jobs to young people.
- Dr. Bawumia credits the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme for cedi stability.
