When the good prospect of an initiative is evident for all to see, it is easy for people to rally around it and express their support for it.
But when it comes to politics, it is very easy for the opposition not to see any good in a ruling government’s laudable ideas and goodwill for the people, and vice versa. However, when the initiative is bad, they are all up in arms, warning people of the imminent danger.
Diplomacy in politics is rarely about extending overtures of friendship to people on the other side who do not always agree with one’s ideology. It is more about seeing the good in a thing, acknowledging it for what it’s worth without being politically tainted to discredit its worth.
The 2024 election is certainly bound to be a real page-turner, as snippets of what’s to unfold on the political scene is playing out in the present.
Former President, John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy has certainly drowned the noise of all other policies being churned out by the ruling government, for now – making them run frantically for cover, trying to save face where they can, or at best subtly concede to its merits.
With the failed attempt of NPP’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in trying to discredit the policy, and other members of his party equally exposing their ‘ignorance’ of what a 24-hour is and should be, it’s time to eat humble pie and perhaps, for a long time coming.
Now, despite the failure to brew any disfavor towards the 24-hour policy, some members of the ruling party are in a clandestine manner, commending the 24-hour economy move.
Mahama’s 24-hour economy tagged as endorsement of 1D1F
Member of parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, has revealed that flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy is an endorsement of government’s One district One factory programme.
According to him, a huge chunk of the 24-hour policy concept is based on the success of the 1D1F. He revealed that the implementation of the proposed policy by John Mahama will not take off if there’s no industry.
Dr Adomako Kissi further noted that the policy is an “enhanced version of the 1D1F which has been repackaged” to be sold to Ghanaians.
“I must say that the NDC has done what they do very well, and this is an endorsement of the 1D1F. What it means is that the foundation for this concept has been laid and they have to admit it. I have nothing wrong with the NDC being smart about something that is existing and repackaging it for Ghana in the sense that if I’m a cement production company and through this initiative, if I’m already running three shifts, I’m going to get more incentives to do more…”
Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi
Furthermore, Mr Adomako Kissi highlighted that there is nothing wrong with such a move by the NDC. However, he cited that for the policy to take off, there must be a bustling manufacturing industry which then comes back to the point that Ghana needs a lot of manufacturing companies.
“… What the NDC is doing here, is accepting something that for the longest time, they found it difficult to swallow that Ghana needs more industries… It’s a plus. I’m happy that they have agreed that what is there is good for Ghana to the extent that we have to up it… What this means is that the NDC is much in love with the 1D1F programme…”
Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi
Like most analysts and experts of economy, implementation has always been the bane of Ghana’s politics and governance. They unravel the inadequacies of government in setting into full swing, good policies and plans for the country.
That notwithstanding, in the books, the 24-hour Economy will be a deliberate policy intervention by the next NDC/Mahama government to encourage and support certain businesses and companies to operate 24/7, preferably in a three-shift system of 8 hours each, by creating an enabling environment that promotes productivity, competitiveness and well-paying jobs.
If implemented well, the 24-hour Economy will be mainly anchored on Mahama’s overarching vision to create sustainable jobs for Ghanaians, especially with the shift system which will be incorporated into the scheme.
It is high time politicians credit a good thing as such, move from the colors of their party briefly and adopt a ‘servant’s’ heart in looking out for the interest of the ordinary Ghanaian and development of the country without being prejudiced against it because it’s not from their camp.
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