BAWUMIA: Digitalization already moving Ghana’s economy to a 24-hour economy

Vice President and flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has taken a swipe at former President John Mahama for proposing to implement a 24-hour economy if he wins the 2024 Presidential Elections.

Dr Bawumia noted that due to the digitalization drive undertaken by the Government of President Akufo-Addo, a 24-hour economy is already being implemented.

For him some sectors of the economy such as the health sector, the energy sector (electricity and fuel providers), telecommunications providers and the hospitality industry are currently operating a 24-hour system as a result of deliberate policies put in place by the Government.

He stressed that John Mahama had no understanding of the promise and that the idea of a 24-hour economy is not novel.

He stressed that it makes no sense to promise a 24-hour economy without having a full grasp of the concept.

“John Mahama says he has a new idea. What is this new idea? He says he wants a 24-hour economy. He doesn’t even understand that promise… hospitals, power and fuel service providers…are already operating 24-hours thanks to our digitalization agenda…I want you to note that in 2024, we are having a new vision. I will bring a new policy and we will transform this country. John Mahama is the past. Dr Bawumia is the future,” he said at a rally of NPP supporters in the Northern Region.

John Mahama has promised to implement a 24-hour economy if he gets elected President in 2024. His proposal has been met with both criticism and praise. While members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Trades Union Congress (TUC), and some academics like Prof Ransford Gyampo have welcomed the idea, NPP Communicators and some academics have criticised the move, explaining that a 24-hour economy must occur organically and not be forced on the economy through policy.