Newly elected flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has chastised former President John Dramani Mahama over his 24-hour economy policy.
Speaking to a throng of people in Tamale on Monday as part of his northern tour, Dr. Bawumia rejected the notion, arguing that many government and private sectors of Ghana’s economy already run around the clock and that the government cannot enact legislation establishing a 24-hour economy.
“I hear John Mahama has a new idea and he wants to run a 24-hour economy. I say where did he get this idea from? It is not a bright idea! A 24-hour economy cannot be legislated by government,”Dr. Bawumia said.
“Today, there are many businesses that are already working for 24 hours. Hospitals are open for 24 hours. You can buy electricity for 24 hours. Because of digitalization, you can transfer money for 24 hours. There are many chop bars and restaurants that are open for 24 hours.”
Dr. Bawumia continued: “The police are working for 24 hours. The security services are working for 24 hours. So what is this 24-hour economy that you want to bring? Operating 24 hours is an issue for businesses. If you’ll make more money opening 24 hours, there is no law preventing you.”
Dr. Bawumia stated that Mr. Mahama, who has previously served as both Vice President and President, lacks experience in introducing and leading groundbreaking policies, despite enumerating a number of policy initiatives he introduced and oversaw in his role as Vice President.
Dr. Bawumia Responds to John Mahama's 24-Hour Economy Policy#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/jeaiAVGRPJ
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 21, 2023
Meanwhile, Nana Ohene Ntow, the former general secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has declared that he is not shocked nor concerned about being kicked out of the organization.
He claims that because he backed the party’s former flagbearer candidate, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, in his independent presidential bid, this decision was necessary and appropriate under the party’s constitution.
