Joe Jackson, Director of Operations at Dalex Finance, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of imposing a 24-hour economy on Ghanaians.
The economist said the government or the president has no power to impose such a system, stressing that the best the government can do is provide incentives and confidence that entrepreneurs will take the lead. .
In an interview with City FM on Thursday, November 16, Mr Jackson urged policymakers to carefully consider the implications before investing in the idea of a 24-hour economy.
“The important thing is that you can’t impose a 24-hour economy. What you can do is incentivize the 24-hour economy and encourage entrepreneurs to risk their capital and business to participate,” he said. All you have to do is trust.”
Mr. Jackson went on to explain his point: “If someone is ready and there are enough people ready to eat fufu at midnight, I guarantee you someone will be banging fufu at midnight, if there is enough market for me. ”I promise to produce chips if you share my locally produced chips. ”
This view contradicts the position of National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader John Dramani Mahama, who has made establishing a 24-hour economy one of the key pillars of his campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
Mr Mahama argues that such policies will contribute to economic growth and job creation.
In a statement commemorating the 2023 International Youth Day, Mr. Mahama outlined his administration’s commitment to developing skilled and entrepreneurial youth.
He said: “The new NDC government will work urgently to equip our youth with the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable future. It will introduce a 24-hour economy with incentives and tax breaks for manufacturers to carry out shifts.” There is room for employment. ”
The former president also pledged to address the tax burden on Ghanaian businesses and investors, arguing that it was diminishing the country’s status as a leading investment destination in Africa.
As the political climate evolves in the run-up to the 2024 general elections, debate continues regarding the feasibility and desirability of a 24-hour economy in Ghana.
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