Mahamudu Bawumia labels Mahama’s 24-hour economy as political propaganda

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has dismissed President John Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy as "mere political propaganda" that lacks a viable implementation strategy. Speaking at a thanksgiving event in Sunyani, Dr. Bawumia argued that the policy fails to address the root causes of unemployment in Ghana. He expressed significant skepticism regarding the efficiency of the proposed shift-based job arrangements, suggesting that having multiple people share a single role would be unproductive and fail to create genuine economic value for the nation. The NPP leader urged voters to instead consider his party's alternative economic vision, which prioritizes digital innovation and industrial growth as more sustainable drivers for job creation ahead of the 2028 elections. Supporting these criticisms, NPP regional organizers have highlighted significant practical challenges currently facing the implementation of the 24-hour economy. Martin Ampem, the NPP Organizer for Biakoye, noted that the necessary infrastructure and financial incentives for businesses to operate around the clock are significantly lacking in the current economic climate. He pointed to inconsistent electricity supply and rising operational costs as major hurdles that undermine the feasibility of 24/7 business operations. Ampem emphasized that without addressing these fundamental economic strains, the policy would remain ineffective for market traders and workers who are struggling with the high cost of living. The ongoing debate underscores a deepening divide between the current administration and the opposition over Ghana's economic future. While the government maintains that the 24-hour economy is a vital solution for growth and job creation, Dr. Bawumia and the NPP contend that it remains an empty promise without the foundational support of stable power and business-friendly fiscal policies. As both sides prepare for future electoral contests, the effectiveness of this flagship policy remains a central point of contention in the national political discourse.