NDC retreats on 24-hour economy promise over rising public skepticism

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is facing mounting criticism after key officials appeared to backtrack on the highly publicized 24-Hour Economy initiative, a flagship policy promised during the party’s 2024 campaign.

Augustus Tandoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy Policy, recently stated that transitioning to a 24-hour operational economy would require extensive planning and cannot be implemented immediately, emphasizing that the policy “comes at a cost.”

According to Tandoh, the policy’s objectives include boosting national production, improving supply chain efficiency, and introducing a three-shift work system aimed at creating more employment opportunities.

However, these explanations appear to contrast sharply with the expectations set during the electioneering period when the NDC had assured Ghanaians that the 24-Hour Economy would rapidly transform Ghana into a round-the-clock economic hub.

Citizens and private-sector stakeholders who anticipated swift implementation and tangible economic benefits are now expressing frustration over what they describe as a “slow retreat” from campaign promises.

Political analysts point out that this is not the first instance where the NDC has struggled to implement high-profile policies.

Previous flagship initiatives, such as the ambitious agricultural modernization programs under the “Akuafoɔ Anidasoɔ” platform, took years to operationalize due to logistical and financial constraints.

Critics argue that a similar pattern is emerging with the 24-Hour Economy policy, raising questions about its feasibility and the government’s commitment to immediate economic impact.

Opposition parties, particularly the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have seized on these developments, describing the policy as a public relations tool rather than a concrete economic plan.

In public statements, NPP spokespersons have suggested that the policy’s delays reflect a lack of clear planning, transparency, and accountability, warning that young Ghanaians and workers could be misled by lofty promises that have yet to materialize.

While the government maintains that consultations with stakeholders, legislative procedures, and infrastructure planning are ongoing, some Ghanaians perceive that the NDC is hedging its promise, effectively asking the public to lower expectations.