In a recent statement that has stirred debate within Ghana’s political and public spheres, former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has questioned the originality of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s much-touted 24-hour economy policy. Gyan, speaking via an Instagram Live session, argued that the concept of a 24-hour economy is already in practice in several sectors of the country, thus challenging the NDC’s claim of introducing a novel economic strategy.
Gyan pointed out that essential services such as police stations, hospitals, and filling stations already operate around the clock. “It already exists. Police stations, hospitals, and filling stations already operate on a 24-hour basis,” Gyan remarked. He suggested that instead of presenting it as a new policy, the NDC should focus on enhancing the existing framework. “If the government says ’24-hour economy,’ they should focus on improving it. It’s not a new policy,” he stated, emphasizing the need for clarity and improvement over novelty in policy-making.
The NDC’s 24-hour economy initiative was a significant part of their campaign strategy for the 2024 elections, promising to stimulate economic growth by encouraging businesses to operate 24/7, potentially in three 8-hour shifts. However, Gyan’s comments have sparked a conversation about whether this policy is indeed a fresh approach or if it merely highlights what is already in place without addressing deeper economic issues.
Critics of the NDC’s policy, including Gyan, argue that while the idea of extending business hours is not new, the challenge lies in creating the necessary infrastructure, incentives, and demand to make such a system effective across various sectors. Conversely, supporters of the policy within the NDC and political analysts have defended it by explaining that the policy aims to expand this operation to more sectors, not just acknowledge what currently exists. They argue that the policy includes provisions for tax incentives, improved security, and reliable electricity, which could encourage more businesses to adopt round-the-clock operations.
The discussion has also veered into the realms of how well the NDC has communicated this policy to the public. Political commentators on social media and news platforms have observed that the policy’s details have not been universally well-understood, with some calling for a more comprehensive explanation from the party.
Public reaction on social media appears mixed. Posts on X have echoed Gyan’s sentiments, with many users questioning the novelty of the NDC’s policy. However, there are also those who believe that enhancing what already exists could lead to significant economic benefits, provided the execution is well-planned and supported by the government.
As Ghana looks forward to the implementation phase under the new NDC administration, the debate over the 24-hour economy policy underscores a broader discussion on economic policies, their originality, and their practical impact on Ghana’s economic landscape.