President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has attacked his predecessor, John Dramani Mahama, for failing to provide a clear roadmap for a 24-hour economy in Ghana. Speaking at a public event, President Akufo-Addo stated that Mahama's administration failed to deliver a sustainable plan to make the country operate around the clock, despite promising to do so during his tenure.
He explained that the concept of running a 24-hour economy-that is, where businesses and industries operate day and night-would increase economic activities and create jobs. However, Akufo-Addo indicated that though the concept was introduced during Mahama's regime, it lacked strategies that would make it real.
"We were told that a 24-hour economy would be one of the achievements of the former government, but this never came into being because there was no concrete plan to support such," Akufo-Addo said. He added that his administration was concerned with actual ways to achieve economic growth, and that fundamental reforms are being put in place to afford businesses the chance to work full-time.
Akufo-Addo also emphasized that infrastructural development, energy supply, and regulatory changes are key ingredients to be supported in a 24-hour economy. He urged Ghanaian businesses to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the current government, which is focused on providing a stable environment for investment and growth.
These comments by the President come amidst debates on how Ghana can achieve a better economy and be competitive on the world scene. Critics say a 24-hour economy may diversify the sources of revenue coming into the country and also provide jobs for the youth.
The camp of Mahama has not yet officially commented in response to the criticisms, but supporters insist that indeed Mahama laid a good foundation for many of the reforms being built upon now by the Akufo-Addo administration.
As the debate ensues, Ghanaians wish the 24-hour economy they have always been expecting will sooner or later become a reality for the development of the country.
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