The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been tearing into the government’s flagship 24-hour economy, delivering a brutal verdict nearly two hours into the NDC administration.
Dr Bawumia has challenged the Mahama government to demonstrate progress on its flagship 24-hour economy policy, questioning whether the initiative has delivered the jobs and employment opportunities promised to Ghanaians.
Speaking at the NPP’s Thanksgiving service in Sunyani, Dr Bawumia criticised the government’s handling of the policy, arguing that Ghanaians were yet to see tangible results.
“We have waited for 2 years, but we cannot see the 24-hour economy. They were just campaign propaganda. They don’t understand for them to come and explain it to us. They themselves don’t understand it. Where is the 24-hour economy?” he asked.
He argued that the policy risked remaining an election promise if the government could not translate its commitments into concrete employment opportunities and benefits for the public.
Dr Bawumia also challenged the government’s economic recovery narrative, saying improvements in headline indicators such as inflation and the exchange rate would mean little if households continued to struggle financially.
“The government says inflation is down, and the dollar is down, but Ghanaians are interested in the pocket economy. They know the pocket economy,” he said.
He maintained that economic stability should be reflected in improved living conditions and relief from the financial pressures facing ordinary Ghanaians.
“I am saying stability of the economy is meaningless if it cannot be linked up with the total liberation of the suffering of our people,” he added.
The former Vice President’s comments form part of the NPP’s criticism of the government’s economic management and its implementation of campaign promises, particularly the 24-hour economy initiative.
The policy is a flagship programme of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), aimed at expanding economic activity and creating employment through round-the-clock production and service delivery.