Mahamudu Bawumia labels Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy as propaganda

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has characterized President John Mahama’s proposed 24-hour economy policy as "political propaganda." Speaking at a thanksgiving event in Sunyani, the former Vice President argued that the opposition leader's flagship proposal lacks a practical implementation plan and a clear framework to address the country's employment needs. Bawumia’s critique comes as both major political parties begin to shape their economic narratives ahead of the next electoral cycle.

During his address, Dr. Bawumia expressed skepticism regarding the efficiency of the policy, particularly the logistics of shifting job arrangements. He suggested that the 24-hour model might simply involve sharing a single existing job among three people, an approach he labeled as fundamentally unproductive. He contended that such a strategy fails to tackle the root causes of unemployment and does not reflect the industrial or digital requirements of a modern economy.

Instead of the 24-hour model, Bawumia urged voters to support his vision for job creation, which he stated would be driven by digital innovation and industrial growth. He emphasized that the NPP’s economic path is built on proven policies that leverage technology to expand the economy. He positioned himself as a leader focused on structural transformation rather than administrative adjustments to working hours, asking the electorate to back his candidacy for the 2028 elections.

The debate over the 24-hour economy remains a central pillar of the political discourse between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP. While President Mahama has previously championed the policy as a means to maximize productivity and create employment opportunities around the clock, Bawumia and the NPP leadership continue to challenge its feasibility, arguing that digital infrastructure and industrialization are the primary drivers of sustainable economic development.