Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government's implementation of the 24-hour economy policy. According to Dr. Bawumia, the policy has failed to deliver the promised jobs to Ghanaians. The policy was touted as a flagship program that would create jobs through a "one job, three shifts and three people" model.
Dr. Bawumia stated that nearly two years into the government's tenure, young graduates and artisans who voted for the NDC based on the promise of increased employment are still waiting for the jobs to materialize. Instead, the government has turned the 24-hour economy into what he described as a "24-hour demolition of buildings" for so-called 24-hour markets. This has resulted in the demolition of structures at Labadi, causing traders, artisans, and small business owners to lose their livelihoods.
The NPP presidential candidate questioned the rationale behind operating markets at midnight, asking whether people would wake up at 12 am to go to markets to buy items such as fish. He called on the government to engage affected persons, provide alternatives, and pay fair compensation to those whose properties and businesses have been affected. Dr. Bawumia also expressed concern over the government's failure to deliver on its promise to establish a Women's Development Bank.
Dr. Bawumia accused the government of failing to deliver on its promise to reduce electricity tariffs under the 24-hour economy policy. Instead, he said electricity tariffs have increased, placing additional pressure on households, small businesses, and industries. Businesses such as barbering shops, hair salons, bakeries, and other small enterprises are struggling to survive because a significant portion of their revenue is being used to pay electricity bills.
The former Vice President further criticized the government for its handling of the 24-hour economy policy, stating that it has now turned into "24 hours of demolishing buildings." He emphasized that the policy has failed to achieve its intended objectives and has instead caused harm to Ghanaians. Dr. Bawumia's comments are a clear indication that the NPP is seeking to capitalize on the perceived failures of the NDC government.
The 24-hour economy policy was one of the key campaign promises of the NDC government, aimed at creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. However, Dr. Bawumia's criticism suggests that the policy has not lived up to its promise. The NPP has been quick to seize on the issue, using it to attack the government's performance and credibility.
The criticism of the 24-hour economy policy is likely to resonate with many Ghanaians who are yet to see the benefits of the policy. With the NPP seeking to capitalize on the issue, it remains to be seen how the NDC government will respond to the criticism and whether it can regain the trust of Ghanaians.
Key points
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia criticizes NDC's 24-hour economy policy for failing to deliver jobs and increasing tariffs.
- The policy has resulted in the demolition of structures at Labadi, causing traders and small business owners to lose their livelihoods.
- Dr. Bawumia calls on the government to engage affected persons, provide alternatives, and pay fair compensation to those whose properties and businesses have been affected.
