Mr Edem Kpodo, the National Democratic Congress Youth organizer for Keta Constituency in the Volta Region said the 24-hour economy is a deliberate policy with a robust infrastructure system built by the erstwhile NDC government for smooth operation
Edem Kpodo in an interview with the Veritas News Ghana over the week said the 24-hour economy policy as outlined by the NDC as their flagship program is achievable due to how they have built a robust infrastructure system during their regime which will enable the policy to thrive
He said the policy was well thought through by the party before announcing it caliming it will thrive on some three key pillars including availability of market to consume the products and services to be produced, security of power and special regimes such as affirmative actions or laws to support the policy.
“There are ready markets for the policy at the service sector like the ports, and passport offices where a lot of people need these service delivery but we have no personnel to serve them, the manufacturing sector needs the 24-hour economy to be able to produce tones of products within a day to maximize their productivity and for exports to boost our foreign exchange which will in turn empower our economy,”
He outlined that the policy would help reduce the unemployment rate in the country by recruiting more citizens, he said a company that employs thirty people, will now have the chance to employ ninety people due to the 1-3-3 shift system as outlined in the NDC manifesto.
“For security, we shall enhance recruitment into the security services to have enough personnel to combat possible robberies and thievery during the night, there shall be community policing, security patrol services, improved streets lighting systems, and security cameras installed at vantage points all to make the environment safe for shift workers,”
According to him. Former President Mahama has experience in solving power problems and hence will be able to provide the necessary power security needed for companies operate.
Mr Kpodo said the next NDC government will also draft and implement special laws to support the policy to make it work by giving special tax waiver regimes to businesses that will implement the policy, financial support to such businesses with support from the Ghana Export and Import Bank (EXIM Bank) established during the Mahama regime, he also touched on special power billing system for them to enable them operated the all day round.
The 24-hour economy have been a flagship program for the opposition National Democratic Congress in their campaign over the period sighting it as a game changer to Ghana’s economy. The party explained it will be implemented on the 1-3-3 shift system where a single workplace may employ three different staff to work at three different shift hours.
Credit:- Benard Rhussia Worlali
