24-Hour Economy Policy is a PR Stunt - Minority

Accra, Ghana - 4 July, 2025 - The launch of Ghana's 24-hour economy policy has been met with criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who describe it as a propaganda initiative designed to mislead Ghanaians.

The policy, launched on July 2 by the Mahama administration, aims to boost productivity, create jobs, and stimulate inclusive economic growth by promoting round-the-clock operations in key sectors.

However, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argues that the policy lacks substance and was introduced amidst worsening economic conditions.

He believes that the policy will not yield any meaningful benefits for the Ghanaian public and is merely a public relations tool to distract from real-time economic hardships.

“Their so-called 24-hour economy, on Wednesday, July 2, they launched it without due regard to Parliament. We in the Minority see this as a mere public relations tool to distract from real-time economic hardships and win public goodwill. Because you just increased tariffs, you have introduced a levy which the people called ‘Dumsor’ Levy,” he said on the floor of Parliament on Thursday July 3.

In contrast, Special Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Goosie Tanoh, says the policy is open to public scrutiny and evolving input. He describes criticism as vital to the policy's success and notes that the initiative's long-term success will depend on continuous learning, flexibility, and the willingness to revise strategies based on feedback and evolving circumstances.

“We at the secretariat are confident that we will continue to receive constructive criticism and suggestions for further improvement. Criticism is always welcome. We see the 24-hour programme as a living programme, enriched in science and firm social democratic principles, but flexible enough to respond tactically to a changing environment,” he said.

“This is the only way a programme can transform our society in the short, medium, and long term,” he added.

Source: Lead News Online