Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed optimism in the 24-hour economy policy aimed at boosting the country’s economy.
According to him, there will be no limit to the sectors the 24-hour economy initiative will target. He revealed that the benefits will be enormous.
Mr Mahama noted that through the 24-hour economy, the NDC will create new, decent, and well-paying jobs for the youth, reduce unemployment, which is a significant challenge, and improve the living standards of Ghanaians.
“I remain optimistic about the Mahama 24-hour economy initiative. In a rapidly advancing global economy, in which countries worldwide are gradually drifting and adopting 24-hour economies to remain competitive and attract investments – Ghana cannot be left out.”
John Dramani Mahama
Mr Mahama stated that with increasing urbanization, where many previously rural communities are becoming urbanized with its associated higher demand for goods, including food, beverages, and services around the clock, Ghana cannot be left out.
He equally highlighted that with an expanding services sector in which healthcare, tourism, entertainment, Business Processing Outsourcing and Call Centres have the potential to operate optimally and continuously, Ghana must not remain behind the line of development.
Speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Network Business Cocktail, the NDC flagbearer assured that the NDC shall pursue initiatives that allow the private sector to flourish consistently and visibly and in a way that improves upward socio-economic mobility and social justice.
“My commitment is to stop the excessive and direct competition between the government, its agencies, and cronies with private businesses through dubious restriction mechanisms and aggressive business regulation.”
John Dramani Mahama
The 24-hour economy, he insisted, is a game-changer for the Ghanaian economy, as it will benefit businesses, employment and the enjoyment of the youth who are seeking jobs.
Addressing corruption in the country
Moreover, Mr Mahama maintained that the opposition party when elected, will vigorously pursue the 24-hour economy, amongst many other initiatives, as part of its broader vision and determination to increase economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of Ghanaians.
Also, he stated that the party would wage a strong fight against corruption to reduce waste and save money for reinvestment in the economy.
“The sword of the fight against corruption will cut both ways – against past government officials, officials of the incumbent administration, civil and public servants, businesses, government suppliers, etc. – if they fall foul of the law.”
John Dramani Mahama
Commenting on the extractive industry, Mr Mahama stated that his government would review laws governing the extractive industry so that Ghana can increase its share and local participation in exploiting its natural resources.
He noted that with improved revenues from the savings made from a reduced size of government, the anti-corruption fight, fast-tracked operationalization of new oil and gas wells, increased investment in the mining sector and a revamped cocoa sector, can ease the heavy burden of tax that has been placed on Ghanaian households and businesses.
“… We in the NDC have never claimed to be repositories of all knowledge, and so we look forward to the mutual sharing of ideas and insights with you as we have done here. We need to network more, and I look forward to another opportunity where I can sit and interact, take your questions, share more thoughts, and imbibe your suggestions to tackle our collective problems.”
John Dramani Mahama
Meanwhile, Mr Mahama stated that when entrusted with the governance of the country and the management of the economy, he vows on behalf of the NDC to stay the course of prudence to maintain stability and predictability in the economy.
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