National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate John Dramani Mahama has stated that while implementing a 24-hour economy within a single four-year term may not be feasible, his administration would at least initiate the process if he is elected.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Africa on Wednesday, 4 December, Mr Mahama described the 24-hour economy as a gradual process aimed at revitalising the country’s economic prospects.
“We will start at least”
When asked if the policy could be fully implemented within his four-year term, he responded, “We will start at least.” He emphasised that the initiative is not an overnight solution but a phased approach to economic recovery.
“You can’t put a cost on it immediately. The 24-hour economy is not an event; it is a process. And so even while we are stabilising the macroeconomic environment and bringing inflation and interest rates down, we will be implementing the 24-hour economy. You are thinking about it as if we will wake up overnight as soon as I am sworn in and have a 24-hour economy,” he explained.
He outlined the potential benefits of the policy, particularly in job creation, by encouraging businesses to operate in extended shifts.
“If you incentivise businesses to run for 8 hours, they can’t run with the same number of people; they will have to employ more people. The demand is there, we have the AfCFTA [African Continental Free Trade Area], we have the Ecowas Trade Liberalisation Scheme,” Mr. Mahama added.
On accepting election results
With Ghanaians set to vote on Saturday, 7 December, Mr Mahama was also asked about his stance on accepting the election results. His response hinged on the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.
“If on the election day, there is widespread ballot snatching and beating of people, and the military move and intimidate people, and shoot people and tugs are all over the place, rampaging, you want me to accept that result? It will depend on the transparency and fairness of the process,” he stated.
The December 7 elections will see Ghanaians elect a president and Members of Parliament to serve from January 2025. Mr Mahama’s comments come as both major parties, the NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), intensify their campaigns in the final days before the polls.
The proposal for a 24-hour economy forms a key component of Mr Mahama’s vision to create jobs and enhance economic productivity, particularly as Ghana faces mounting economic challenges.
