An aide to former President Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari has revealed that the 24-hour economy proposed by John Mahama should be supported to ensure the needed economic development under a National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
According to her, Mr Mahama is aware that some private sector companies are already doing this but desires more private sector companies and key state enterprises to work 24 hours.
She revealed that the Leader of the NDC , HE John Mahama, has proposed a policy which will stimulate economic growth and employment.
Madam Mogtari indicated that the proposed policy is a “deliberate policy of a future NDC government to ensure that Ghana develops and sustains a 24-hour economy”.
“…For example, the ports, transportation industry, manufacturing and many others. What we will require is your knowledge, expertise and support to enable government to implement this policy strategically and efficiently!”
Joyce Bawah Mogtari
Furthermore, Madam Mogtari iterated that John Mahama is aware that some private sector companies are already doing this.
However, she explained that Mr Mahama believes that with the right incentives, regulations, taxation, safety and security, infrastructure and intentional investment, “government can stimulate an effective strategy to increase productivity and reduce unemployment if more private sector companies and key state enterprises can work 24 hours”.
Following the proposal by John Mahama to run a 24-hour economy in the next administration, various stakeholders have expressed their misgivings about its implementation.
That notwithstanding, John Mahama revealed that tax incentives will be granted to businesses which sign up for his proposed 24-hour economy policy.
The proposal is part of measures being adopted to increase the local economy through job opportunities for the youth.
He explained that “businesses will be encouraged to sign up with tax incentives provided for them and enhanced security and lower electricity tariffs after peak hours”.
“I am heartened that my recent suggestion of operating a 24-hour economy in Ghana has been heard by the Finance Minister as he mentioned in his recent budget statement in the form of what he called the night economy…
“Special meters will be employed to provide what is known as time of use tariff to deliver cheaper power to such businesses during hours of 10am and 6am.”
John Dramani Mahama
Heightened security needed to run 24-hour economy
Despite the “night economy” proposed by the finance minister in the presentation of the 2024 budget, the former President emphasized that his policy statement goes beyond the government’s proposal which focuses on boosting tourism.
He highlighted that the NDC’s proposal will include the operation of a three-shift system by industries and commercial entities on daily basis.
“Heightened security needed for the twenty-four economy will also provide for safer cities and thereby in effect boost tourism. This 24-hour economy initiative will be voluntary.”
John Dramani Mahama
Moreover, John Mahama, accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of driving the country into a ditch. He stated that all sectors of the economy are presently at a standstill.
“This is very bad. The bus on which we are travelling has fallen into a ditch and we all have to help get it back on the road.”
John Dramani Mahama
Mr Mahama reckoned that the NDC has the track record to return the country to the path of development. He insisted that the only political party that can develop the country is the NDC.
“So, we know there is a need for the NDC to return and restore the bus for the journey. The country is in a difficult place, the economy is bad, the country is in debt.”
John Dramani Mahama
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