The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi Esq., has strongly defended the party’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, which has come under scrutiny from some quarters.
The criticism was notably led by Nana Kwame Bediako, the leader of the New Force, who expressed doubts about the feasibility of the policy, suggesting that a focus on industrialization should precede any attempt to implement a 24-hour economy.
Responding to these concerns, Sammy Gyamfi dismissed the notion that industrialization must necessarily come before the establishment of a 24-hour economy.
He further explained that the 24-hour economy is not an end in itself but rather a crucial means to achieving the broader goal of industrialization and economic development.
Expounding on this, Sammy Gyamfi noted that former President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for a 24-hour economy is designed to create the necessary framework to support and sustain industrialization in Ghana.
“So you want to promote industrialization. John Mahama is saying that if elected he will put in the right framework, the policy framework to allow those industries to operate 24/7. What is so difficult about this that people cannot understand?”.
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., NDC’s National Communications Officer
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi further outlined the NDC’s strategy, emphasizing that the policy involves setting up agro-industrial zones across the country, tailored to the comparative advantages of each region.
These zones, he noted would focus on processing locally produced commodities such as cocoa, cashew, cassava, tomatoes, onions, shea, and cotton.
According to him, the next NDC administration under former President Mahama would play a proactive role in securing land, constructing access roads, and providing essential utilities such as electricity and water, thereby creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Additionally, Lawyer Gyamfi highlighted the high demand for processed goods in Ghana, pointing out that the country currently imports 99% of its processed food products.
This, he argued, is placing enormous pressure on the cedi and exacerbating Ghana’s structural economic challenges.
“We need more tomato paste, more processed cocoa, more processed cashew, more processed starch, gari, and all other food products we need,” Sammy Gyamfi stated, stressing that the 24-hour economy policy is aimed at boosting domestic production to meet this demand.
One of the key components of the NDC’s plan according to Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi is to incentivize businesses to operate beyond the standard eight-hour workday.
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi explained that under normal circumstances, businesses may be reluctant to operate for extended hours due to concerns about labour costs, utility expenses, and taxes.
To address this, he reaffirmed the NDC and its flagbearer, former President Mahama’s plans to offer a range of incentives, including tax breaks, reduced electricity tariffs during off-peak hours (through a time-of-use tariff system), and financial support from the Ghana Export-Import (Exim) Bank at favourable interest rates.
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi also stressed that the creation of agro-industrial enclaves with ready amenities would significantly reduce the barriers for businesses looking to set up operations in Ghana.
These enclaves, he said, would eliminate common challenges such as land litigation, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate utility services, making it easier for businesses to focus on scaling up production.
“Former President Mahama will also create an agro-industrial enclave with amenities. You are not going to think about land litigation in deciding to set up a factory in Ghana. Because the government has acquired land. You are not thinking about how to get a good road to the factory. How do I get utility? The government will be providing it”.
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., NDC’s National Communications Officer
He added that with these incentives in place, businesses would naturally extend their operations to 24 hours, leading to a significant increase in production and employment.
“By operating 24 hours, if they were going to produce 1,000 cartons a month under an 8-hour shift, they are going to now produce 3,000 cartons because they are doing 3 shifts of 8 hours each, 24/7. If they were going to employ 1,000 people, they are going to employ 3,000 people”
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., NDC’s National Communications Officer
In defence of the policy, Sammy Gyamfi cited the experiences of advanced economies such as New York and London, which have successfully implemented 24-hour economies.
He also pointed out that the NDC’s 24-hour economy strategy is not just a manifesto promise but a well-thought-out national development plan, originally captured in the 40-year development plan developed in 2016.
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi concluded by referencing the support the policy has received from various stakeholders, including Organized Labor, the Federation of Labor and other economic think tanks.
“Organized labour, who are not NDC or NPP, who know better than Nana Kwame Bediako, says the 24-hour economy is a game changer. The Federation of Labor says this is what Ghana needs; the Institute of Economic Affairs also says a 24-hour economy can work for a developing country like Ghana”.
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., NDC’s National Communications Officer
He also noted that even Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, the Minister of Health under the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, has acknowledged the potential benefits of a 24-hour economy, dismissing skeptics as misinformed.
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