Nana Akosua Frimponmaa Sarpong Kumankumah, the Presidential Candidate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has sounded an alarm about the potential collapse of Ghana’s ambitious 24-hour economy initiative. In a recent interview, she expressed deep concerns over the government’s approach to ministerial oversight, collaboration, and the lack of systems to foster innovation. Her critique underscores the urgency for strategic reforms to ensure the success of this ambitious policy.
The 24-hour economy, introduced as a cornerstone of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, seeks to revolutionize productivity by encouraging businesses to operate round the clock. The plan envisions a three-shift system, with companies working seamlessly throughout the day and night, thereby boosting competitiveness, creating jobs, and increasing economic output. However, Nana Frimponmaa believes this vision is at risk due to systemic inefficiencies and poor governance practices.
A Systemic Governance Challenge
During her interview, Nana Frimponmaa highlighted the structural flaws that hinder the effective implementation of innovative ideas. She explained that while political opposition often identifies gaps and proposes solutions, these ideas struggle to materialize due to inadequate support systems and bureaucratic resistance.
“For some reason, it seems like you have a lot of ideas when you’re in opposition and can identify the loopholes. However, when they give us some power or resources to come up with solutions for what they think should happen at the ministry, the ministers they appoint should ensure that someone is overseeing them not necessarily criticizing, but supporting,” she noted.
Frimponmaa emphasized the need for a collaborative environment within government ministries. She expressed frustration that innovative proposals often get dismissed or ignored by ministers who may not fully embrace or understand their potential.
“If you ask me to support and you don’t provide a system that allows me to share the ideas I have, and I have to go sit in some minister’s office for the minister to scrutinize them—and if the minister doesn’t believe in the idea—they’ll just put it under the table,” she lamented.
Risks to the 24-Hour Economy
The CPP candidate warned that the failure to establish a supportive framework for implementing ideas could have dire consequences for the country’s economic future.
“It was not a campaign statement when I said that the 24-hour economy might collapse in 24 hours,” she stressed.
She explained that the success of a 24-hour economy hinges on a deliberate and well-coordinated policy framework that encourages innovation, fosters collaboration, and eliminates bureaucratic bottlenecks. Without these elements, the ambitious initiative could falter, leaving businesses and workers disillusioned.
The 24-hour economy’s objective is to transform Ghana into a hub of productivity, where industries operate efficiently and workers benefit from sustainable employment opportunities. However, Frimponmaa’s concerns highlight the potential pitfalls of implementing such a policy without addressing foundational governance issues.
The Role of Leadership
Frimponmaa’s critique also sheds light on the broader challenges of leadership and governance in Ghana. She called for a shift in mindset among government officials, urging them to prioritize the country’s long-term development over short-term political gains.
“If they think the knowledge should stay with their people, then we are not moving forward,” she said, adding that effective leadership requires inclusivity and the courage to embrace diverse perspectives.
The CPP candidate emphasized that the success of any policy initiative, including the 24-hour economy, depends on the ability of leaders to create an enabling environment where ideas can thrive. This involves not only appointing competent ministers but also ensuring that they have the resources and support needed to implement transformative policies.
Building an Enabling Environment
Frimponmaa’s vision for a successful 24-hour economy includes several key components:
Collaborative Governance: She advocates for a governance model that values input from all stakeholders, including opposition parties, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Efficient Oversight: Ministries must be equipped with robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that policies are implemented effectively and transparently.
Support for Innovation: The government should create platforms that encourage the sharing of ideas and provide the necessary resources to bring them to fruition.
Streamlined Bureaucracy: Reducing bureaucratic red tape is essential to foster a culture of efficiency and accountability within government institutions.
Public-Private Partnerships: Frimponmaa believes that collaboration between the public and private sectors is critical for the success of the 24-hour economy. This includes providing incentives for businesses to adopt the three-shift system and investing in infrastructure to support round-the-clock operations.
A Call for Action
Nana Frimponmaa’s warning serves as a wake-up call for Ghana’s leadership to reevaluate its approach to governance and policy implementation. While the 24-hour economy holds great promise for the nation’s economic transformation, its success depends on addressing the systemic issues that hinder progress.
Her candid assessment highlights the need for bold and decisive action to create a government that is not only responsive but also effective in delivering results. As Ghana moves forward, the stakes are high, and the choices made today will determine the country’s economic trajectory for years to come.
The CPP candidate’s message is clear: without collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to innovation, the vision of a thriving 24-hour economy may remain just that—a vision. For the sake of Ghana’s future, it is imperative to turn that vision into reality.
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