According to John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the NDC, the time has come for a transformative change in Ghana.
He noted that the change must necessitate a fundamental shift in how the government operates, creates jobs, delivers social services like health and education, and envisions the country’s future, to improve the lives of citizens.
John Mahama pointed out that after nearly eight years of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration’s dismal leadership, Ghana has plummeted into a severe economic crisis, with the country’s economic fortunes deteriorating significantly.
“The current economic mess sums up the verdict on this NPP government. The harsh reality is that, for most citizens, the piteous journey over the period has been a bitter experience of economic and social deprivation”.
“To the youth of Ghana, I say: I understand the frustration and disillusionment many of you feel. I can relate to the recent cynicism and massive mistrust in our body politics because the current government has been undeserving of your trust!”
John Dramani Mahama
The former President further encouraged citizens to envision a revitalized Ghana, urging them to look beyond the current challenges, no matter how daunting they may seem, and join him in dreaming of a transformed nation, which he termed a “RESET Ghana“.
“The Ghana we all want, where your talents and hard work determine your success”. – John Mahama
John Mahama vowed to create a Ghana where citizens are empowered to drive progress, unlocking their full potential and living fulfilling lives, assuring that this vision is not merely a promise, but a solemn commitment to the people.
“I will reset the economy, and Ghana will be open for business for 24 hours. Leadership is about vision, and the 24-hour economy is the vision to create decent and well-paying jobs. When I talk about a 24-hour economy, we need to understand the underlying vision. The 24-hour economy is the means to an end—and the end is putting Ghana on a solid path to accelerated growth and development”.
John Dramani Mahama
Mahama’s Vision For A Prosperous Ghana
John Mahama emphasized the importance of achieving a sustainable economic growth trajectory that would transform Ghana into a prosperous nation, eradicating the rampant poverty and economic hardship that many Ghanaians currently endure.
He envisioned a thriving economy that produces its own essentials, like food, drinks, medicine, clothing, and more, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on external sources.
Mahama emphasized that by producing its own essentials, Ghana can reduce its reliance on unnecessary imports, thereby stabilizing its currency and mitigating the negative impacts of exchange rate fluctuations.
“The world is growing fast. We need to keep up with this new rhythm, so first, think of the 24-hour economy as an accelerator—the best accelerator or catalyst we could possibly have. A 24-hour economy will increase the production and distribution of goods and services and accelerate the economic exchanges between people and companies.
“With that, we will start growing at an unprecedented pace while providing decent jobs for the youth. I have said that leadership is about vision, and I stand by it. But leadership is also about caring, about giving people genuine, solid hope. This is what a 24-hour economy really is about”.
John Dramani Mahama
John Mahama highlighted that adopting a 24-hour economy would enable Ghana to substitute imports with domestically produced goods, laying a strong foundation for a thriving and resilient industrial sector.
He pointed out that Ghana’s reliance on imports is often not due to superior quality elsewhere, but rather because many essential goods are not produced locally or are produced in inadequate quantities, creating a supply gap that imports fill.
The NDC flagbearer explained that the stimulus package will incentivize businesses to participate in the 24-hour economy, encouraging them to produce goods that replace imports, thereby reducing reliance on foreign products and boosting local production.
“Do you know why? Because the market for such products already exists”. – John Mahama
24-Hour Economy Plan For Sustainable Growth
John Mahama emphasized that the 24-hour economy will motivate businesses to produce goods for the local market, declaring that this approach is the most straightforward and effective way to achieve sustainable economic growth.
He observed that as the 24-hour economy takes hold, it will lead to a surge in job creation, and additionally, it will also drive an increase in exports, further stimulating economic growth and development.
John Mahama pointed out that with a 24-hour economy, numerous Ghanaian businesses will seek to collaborate with international partners to expand their operations and capitalize on the fresh opportunities that arise, fostering economic growth and global connections.
“Thanks to the African Continental Free Trade Area, these partnerships will open new foreign markets to Ghanaian companies. Goods produced in Ghana will then be exported to other parts of the continent, India, Europe, or North America, using the connections of foreign partners”.
“As I have said before, I will personally chair an Accelerated Exports Development Program that will identify and promote exports in the manufacturing, agricultural products, textiles, fruits and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and extractive sectors”.
John Dramani Mahama
The NDC flagbearer emphasized that the 24-hour economy will establish a vast network of international markets for Ghanaian businesses, effectively transforming Ghana into a thriving export-oriented economy, where local entrepreneurs can tap into global opportunities and drive economic growth.
“So, I say that the 24-hour economy is also about national pride”. – John Mahama
He emphasized that the 24-hour economy is about fostering job creation through improved productivity, integrating Ghana into the global economy, and instilling a sense of national pride among Ghanaians, enabling them to achieve greatness and showcase their capabilities on the world stage.
“Once the 24-hour economy is set in motion, the rhythm of growth will start to accelerate exponentially”. – John Mahama
John Mahama declared that Ghana will become a hub of perpetual economic activity, with his 24-hour Economy initiative serving as the cornerstone of his commitment to transform the nation’s economic landscape, driven by private sector growth.
He guaranteed that the 24-hour economy initiative is a meticulously crafted, data-informed, evidence-based, and all-encompassing policy designed to drive sustainable growth and expansion in key sectors of Ghana’s economy, ensuring a robust and resilient economic future.
“It will liberate Ghanaians from the shackles of unemployment and economic dependence”. – John Mahama
READ ALSO: Human Rights Groups Appeal to Starmer for a Revamp of Asylum Policies
