24-hour economy: Abdul-Nasser Suglo defends policy amid Bawumia criticism

The Chief Programme Officer of the 24-hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, Abdul-Nasser Suglo Alidu, has responded to criticism from New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia over the government's flagship 24-hour economy policy. Dr Bawumia has raised concerns about the policy's progress, asserting that job and employment opportunities promised to Ghanaians have not materialized nearly two years into the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on October 19, Mr Suglo Alidu explained that the criticism stemmed from a limited understanding of the policy, which extends beyond businesses operating three shifts. He highlighted multi-shift operations in state enterprises, filling stations, and private companies as proof of the policy's implementation.

Additionally, he revealed that around 268 filling stations were participating in a pilot program in the downstream petroleum sector, and 33 companies under the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) had committed to operating multiple shifts.

Mr Suglo Alidu dismissed Dr Bawumia's claims, asserting that accusing the 24-hour economy of being just about 1-3-3 is disingenuous. He emphasized that the success of the policy should be evaluated based on its ability to enhance Ghana's productive capacity and foster globally competitive industries. Drawing a parallel with South Korea's economic transformation, he argued that a comprehensive policy should enable businesses to expand and develop products that can compete internationally.

For Mr Suglo Alidu, the benchmark for the 24-hour economy's success is achieving an economy where, in ten years, entities like the Beirut Star are not only selling bread but also producing major machinery comparable to international standards.