Founding President of IMANI Center for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe has observed that for the country to reap the full benefit of the 24-hour economy manifesto, its policies must be very enticing.
The success of that ambitious promise by the flagbearer of the NDC, Franklin Cudjoe believes is heavily linked to the acceptance of the policy by the public.
Given that the participation in the policy as explained by former President John Dramani Mahama is voluntary, the arrangements must be very convincing, especially to the private sector so that they can wholeheartedly embrace it.
The detailed policies of the promise such as requirements, benefits, and regulations, the IMANI boss says should meet the growth and development needs and aspirations of businesses before they can make the decision to partake in it.
The absence of enticing arrangements will deter businesses from joining the programme which is likely to lead to its failure.
A Facebook post of Franklin Cudjoe cited by The High Street Journal likened the 24-Hour Economy policy to the Free SHS Policy where the participation is by choice.
Just as parents can choose to opt-out of the public schools where the Free SHS policy is implemented, he says businesses also have the liberty to either accept to be part of the 24-Hour Economy or reject it.
He stresses that policy needs to address fundamental challenges and create attractive conditions to be effective.
“Is the free SHS compulsory? My son got his first choice school, but we decided he does the Cambridge. No one has asked me why l didn’t let him go to Pope John’s. Some one else will take up his spot. I volunteered to opt out of the Free SHS,” parts of his post read.
He added that, “24-hour economy can only work for everyone willing to partake if certain conditions are in place. It is for individuals to determine if the offerings by a 24-hour economy government are enticing or otherwise. In the end, Free SHS must deal with a lot of challenges to make it better and the 24-hour economy promise must do all it can to let many find it worthwhile to participate in. No compulsion- just voluntary.”
As part of his plan to reset Ghana’s economy, the 24-hour economy as proposed by John Dramani Mahama focuses on creating opportunities for businesses and services to operate around the clock, day and night, instead of just during traditional working hours.
This system aims to boost economic activity, provide more jobs, and improve access to essential services by ensuring that industries like transportation, healthcare, retail, and entertainment are always running.
For it to work, however, it would require reliable infrastructure, electricity, security, and the willingness of workers and businesses to embrace the new system.
The policy, after its introduction has met heavy criticism, especially from the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) who are raising questions about the clarity of vision, feasibility, and impact.
