The Unfulfilled Promise: A Critical Look at Ghana's 24-Hour Economy Policy
In a bold statement, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo, has called out the government led by President John Dramani Mahama for falling short of its ambitious economic vision. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) promised a 24-hour economy, a policy they dubbed "one job, three shifts (1-3-3)", aiming to tackle youth unemployment. However, Jinapor argues that this promise remains largely unfulfilled, and here's where it gets controversial...
Nearly a year into the NDC's administration, Jinapor, a former Minister, accused the government of deception. He highlighted that the only place where a three-shift system is in operation is within Parliament itself, specifically the Office of the Speaker. This is a unique and intriguing twist, as it raises questions about the implementation of such a policy.
"Mr. Speaker, I must emphasize this point. It is only your role that follows the 1-3-3 formula. The job of the Speaker of Parliament is unique, with the Right Honourable Alban Bagbin, Bernard Ahiafor, and Andrew Asiamah taking on shifts. This is the only job in Ghana with such a setup, but even this doesn't meet the 24-hour, eight-hour shift criteria you promised," Jinapor stated.
And this is the part most people miss: the policy was meant to provide opportunities for unemployed youth, but it seems to have fallen short. Jinapor described the government's actions as misleading, creating false expectations among young people. He accused them of using this policy as a "gimmick" to buy time and provide false hope.
"You promised jobs, a 24-hour economy, and the 1-3-3 policy. Yet, after eleven months, these promises remain unmet. This is a critical issue, and the government must be held accountable for its campaign promises," Jinapor emphasized.
This story raises important questions: Is it fair to criticize the government for not fully implementing this policy? Or should we focus on the intent and potential impact of such initiatives? What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a constructive discussion in the comments below!
