Reports: King Amoah.
In a significant endorsement for Ghana’s economic policy landscape, Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, the Western North Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has officially backed the implementation of a 24-hour economy policy.
Speaking to the correspondent in a telephone interview from Accra, Mr Aidoo observed that this progressive initiative is poised to stimulate economic activity, enhance job creation, and improve the overall livelihood of Ghanaians, particularly in the wake of global economic challenges.
He said the concept of a 24-hour economy revolves around maximizing the productivity of resources and ensuring that businesses operate seamlessly around the clock.
This approach in his opinion, aims to create a more vibrant and dynamic economic environment by allowing various sectors, including hospitality, manufacturing, and services, to function at all hours adding that by embracing this model, Ghana has the potential to compete more effectively on the global stage.
Anyone who opposes to this flagship policy may perhaps cannot be counted among the patriotic citizens in the country, whose portion deserves punishment, Big Aidoo asserted.
Mr. Aidoo’s endorsement comes at a crucial time as Ghana continues to grapple with economic recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic.
His statement emphasized the need for coherence in policy implementation and the benefits of a more flexible work schedule. “In this modern era, we cannot afford to be confined to a traditional 9-to-5 economy.
The 24-hour economy is not just a policy, it’s a vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future,” he noted.
Chairman Aidoo hinted that the advantages of a 24-hour economy are manifold. for one, it allows businesses to tap into different markets and consumer habits that thrive outside traditional working hours.
Retailers, for example, can cater to late-night shoppers, while service providers can accommodate the schedules of diverse clientele. This would, in turn, lead to increased revenues and an uptick in employment opportunities, as businesses will need more workforce to cover extended hours.
Furthermore, he stressed, adopting a round-the-clock operational model would directly contribute to reducing unemployment rates in Ghana.
It would also open pathways for entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals to take control of their work-life balance.
Mr. Aidoo highlighted this potential for job creation, asserting that, “By expanding operational hours, we are providing more opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful work, especially the youth, who represent a significant demographic in our economy.
Aidoos endorsement also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and engagement in consolidating support for the policy.
He called on local business owners, government officials, and the public to collaboratively navigate the transition to a 24-hour economy.
This engagement is essential to address potential challenges such as traffic management, security measures, and public safety, particularly in areas that would witness prolonged operational hours.
“The success of this initiative hinges on our readiness to engage with one another and ensure that all stakeholders are on board,” Mr. Aidoo stated, underscoring the vital role that cooperation plays in effective policy implementation.
This is not a politics but a clear policy which aimed at transforming the economy for the betterment of all Ghanaians, Big Aidoo pointed out.
