By: Deborah Amewoyi
As part of the government’s flagship programme, President of the Republic John Dramani Mahama has announced efforts underway to launch the 24 – hour economy in July this year.
During a stakeholder consultation meeting at the Jubilee house yesterday, President Mahama expressed confidence in the viability of the flagship program indicating that its implementation will deliver “great results.”
“We’ll officially launch the 24-hour plus programme in July this year, most probably on Ghana’s Republic Day, which is a symbolic day for a bold new national agenda” he announced.
The 24 – Hour economy which is set to be launched on Ghana’s republic day will have its own economic Secretariat which will be backed by legislation. Authorities of the Secretariat will be mandated to report directly to the presidency for accountability.
To ensure smooth administration of the policy, the President mentioned that it would develop the Volta lake economic corridor which will facilitate the transportation of goods and logistics thereby enhancing effectiveness of the policy. “This corridor, centred on the Volta Lake and the Volta Basin, will become a national production zone and logistics hub” Mahama announced.
“The plan envisions cultivating over two million hectares of arable lakeside land, revitalising the fishery sector on the lake, and creating a chain of industrial parks that produce goods for domestic and regional markets.” he elaborated.
Notably, the president explained that adopting the Volta lake as the major transportation means for the 24 Hour Economy will provide effective results than the roads we ply . “The lake will be activated as a transport highway, moving food, people, and goods more efficiently than our congested roads allow us to do currently.”
The National Democratic Congress campaign promise – the 24 Hour Economy is also set to provide employment across various fields of work.
“The 24-hour economy program identifies priority value chains across all regions, and these include agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, light manufacturing, tourism, digital services, and the creative economy. Each one has specific bottlenecks and the program outlines targeted solutions” Mahama stated.
Significantly, he added that the policy is not just a vision but an inclusive plan which will benefit every Ghanaian. As a form of youth empowerment and an avenue for job creation, Mahama revealed that the Aspire24 sub-program will train young people for shift-based work, digital roles, and entrepreneurship.
He finally announced that a draft document for the program will be released on Tuesday to allow for public input. He is also positive the 24 Hour Economy will have a positive impact on the Ghanaian economy and the general living conditions of its inhabitants.
