By Edzorna Francis Mensah
Former Minority Leader and MP for Tamale South Haruna Iddrisu has responded to critics and Majority group in parliament on the 24-hour economy policy proposed by John Mahama as he debated the 2024 Budget and Government Economic Policy on the floor of Parliament on Friday, November 24, 2023.
According to Haruna Iddrisu, the policy, when implemented, will address the pressing issue of Ghanaian youth embarking on perilous journeys across the Sahara and the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities in Europe.
He said the selected companies—public or private entities—that will sign on to the policy will not only help create job opportunities for the unemployed youth but will also help busy people access public services at any time.
The 24-hour economy was a proposal from NDC Flagbearer John Dramani Mahama as one of the policy measures to enable manufacturing companies to operate full day at full capacity so as to promote general growth in the economy.
Mr Iddrusu made reference to paragraph 449 of the budget statement, which talks about the night economy, and according to him, the Government only wanted to mimic the Former President Mahama’s 24-hour economic policy.
Explaining further, he said the 24-hour economy does not talk about chop bars and drinking spots operating 24 hours.
But rather seeks to bring fundamental change to public goods and public services by extending their usual closing time from 5 p.m. to daybreak.
The 24-hour economy policy is part of the vision of the nation-builder, John Dramani Mahama, to create more jobs for the teeming unemployed youth of Ghana while enhancing productivity.
Detailed blueprint for the policy, with input from the TUC and all other relevant stakeholders, will be published in due course.
A legal regulatory framework that supports extended operating hours while ensuring the well-being and rights of workers shall be put in place in consultation with Labour and other relevant stakeholders.
Participating companies will be assisted in the areas of security, night transport services, and tax incentives, among others, to run an efficient and effective 24-hour shift so as to optimise job creation and productivity.
Companies desirous of running a 24-hour shift who wish to take advantage of the incentive packages may apply to join the program.
The policy will mainly focus on the private sector, with some critical public sector agencies that qualify to run a 24-hour shift joining.
Practical examples of how the 24-hour economy will be operationalized to enhance productivity and job creation include: 24-hour operation of manufacturing companies and other factories with participating companies benefiting from security patrols and tax breaks;
Major construction projects to operate a 24-hour multiple shift system with participating companies benefiting from security patrols and tax incentives; Retail Trading Centers including supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, fuel stations, and convenience stores, that join the program will benefit from security patrols and tax incentives; Public institutions with huge work loads and customer traffic, such as the Passport Office, DVLA, etc., shall operate night shifts to enhance productivity and enable citizens have better services;
24-hour operation by GPHA of the Takoradi Port and the Tema Port (20%), which will ensure round-the-clock clearance of goods by GPHA as MPS is currently doing. The clearance and transportation of goods from the port at night to various destinations will lessen traffic at the port, on the motorway, our highways, etc. This will also enhance efficiency and productivity and create more employment opportunities.
24-hour operation of the Accra Digital Centre and IT industry
Under President John Mahama, the Accra Digital Centre was set up to employ 10,000 Ghanaians in digital (ICT) and related jobs.
