Former President John Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy has been characterized by Dr. Amakye Boateng, a Political Science and History lecturer at KNUST, as a “big idea” that some people may not understand because of their narrow-mindedness.
It is ridiculous to expect small minds to fully understand this policy because it is a big idea.
It is up to Vice President Bawumia, he said, “if his economics background prevents him from understanding the policy, which appears to create more jobs.”
Dr. Boateng emphasized that if the Ghana Revenue Authority started collecting taxes from night markets, the policy could increase Ghana’s base of revenue generation.
Dr. Boateng questioned why anyone would have a negative opinion of this policy and emphasized how it offered a way to both boost the economy and lessen Ghana’s youth unemployment gap.
The 24-hour economy was suggested by former president John Dramani Mahama, the leader of the National Democratic Congress, as a means of boosting the economy of Ghana and producing more respectable jobs.
According to Mr. Mahama, the proposed policy will give companies incentives to implement a round-the-clock, three-shift system.
The policy proposal has been met with laughter by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former president and flagbearer of the NPP, who maintains that the 24-hour economy is already functioning seriously for some sectors.
Addressing party faithful in the Northern Region, Dr Bawumia contended, “Today, there are many businesses that are already working for 24 hours.”
Hospitals are open for 24 hours. You can buy electricity for 24 hours. Because of digitalization, you can transfer money for 24 hours. There are many chop bars and restaurants that are open for 24 hours.”
Leader of the Movement For Change, Allan Kyeremanteng who is massing up a third force to Ghana’s NPP, NDC political duopoly has questioned the level of understanding of persons criticizing the 24-hour economy proposal.
Speaking after a massively attended walk in Kumasi, The commander of the yellow butterfly movement recommended that the debate be rather elevated to an intellectual discussion on the feasibility of the idea.
“Former President Mahama came to say that he will implement a 24-hour economy when he comes. He is not wrong if he says that. Anyone who says the 24-hour economy is bad does not understand politics. All those who don’t want the 24-hour economy, what it implies is that they have no understanding of politics.
“But what we have to ask John Mahama is that… what are you going to do to keep the economy running for 24 hours? That is the question we should be asking. That is the question we need to put to the NDC but if you come out to say the 24-hour economy is not going to work then you lack understanding,” he stated.
SOURCE: Starfmonline
