The Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what he describes as inconsistencies surrounding the party’s much-publicised 24-hour economy agenda.
According to the former Deputy Minister of Health, the NDC is struggling to sustain what he termed as “lies” regarding the implementation of the 24-hour economy promise made to Ghanaians ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The 24-hour economy proposal was one of the flagship campaign promises of the NDC during the 2024 elections.
The initiative was promoted as a strategy aimed at boosting productivity, creating jobs, and encouraging businesses and public institutions to operate in shifts around the clock.
However, the government now appears to be focusing on the construction of what it describes as 24-Hour Economy Markets, aimed at transforming traditional trading spaces into modern, round-the-clock economic centres across all 261 districts in the country.
The proposed market facilities are expected to include several modern features, such as police and fire service stations to ensure security during overnight trading activities.
The markets will also provide ancillary services, including integrated banking facilities, economic clinics, restaurants serving three meals daily, and crèches to support traders and their families.
In addition, the facilities are expected to accommodate long-haul trucks and include cold storage systems to help preserve farm produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
Despite these plans, critics from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) continue to demand clarity on the implementation framework, funding arrangements, and expected outcomes of the programme.
The Akyem Oda lawmaker in a recent Facebook post has questioned the government’s recent emphasis on the construction of 24-hour markets across districts, arguing that the focus appears to deviate from the original framework of the proposed initiative.
“The NDC is struggling to maintain the lies on the 24-hour economy they promised. Now they say they are building 24-hour markets in all districts,” he stated.
Mr. Acquah also referenced comments by the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, suggesting that even the traditional ruler had downplayed the importance of the proposed markets compared to the abandoned Agenda 111 hospital projects initiated under the previous administration.
The MP further questioned recent announcements regarding financial support packages for young people under the programme, insisting that the core structure of the promised initiative remains unclear.
“Now it has been said that there are some financial facilities for the youth. Where are the eight thematic areas that this policy promised?” he queried.
He added sarcastically, “Sorry, I am told it is not a policy,” in apparent criticism of what he believes are shifting explanations surrounding the initiative.
The debate over the 24-hour economy policy has intensified in recent weeks following government announcements on plans to establish 24-hour markets and provide financial support schemes for youth and small businesses as part of the broader economic transformation agenda.
By 1960news.com
