Mike Oquaye Jnr Slams Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Progress as Labour Union Urges Patience

Eighteen months into President John Mahama’s administration, his flagship 24-hour economy policy has become a central point of political contention. While members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) contend that the government's initial grace period has ended, organized labor is advocating for public patience, arguing that the transformative policy requires significant time and foundational infrastructure to succeed. The debate highlights the mounting pressure on the administration to deliver on its primary campaign promises amid a challenging economic landscape.

Speaking on TV3, former NPP parliamentary candidate Mike Oquaye Jnr asserted that the "honeymoon period is over" for the Mahama government. He expressed sharp disappointment in the progress of the 24-hour economy policy, which was framed during the campaign as a vital tool for enhancing national productivity and creating jobs. Oquaye Jnr’s critique suggests that the opposition intends to hold the administration strictly accountable for its promises as the government crosses the year-and-a-half mark in office.

In contrast, Abraham Koomson, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), has urged Ghanaians to remain patient as the policy is implemented. During a series of discussions on Ahotor FM, Koomson defended the administration's progress, noting that the government inherited significant economic hurdles that have hampered immediate results. He reminded the public that the administration has been in power for just over a year, a duration he considers insufficient to fully realize such an ambitious economic shift.

Koomson further explained that the 24-hour economy initiative is a long-term project that requires extensive planning and robust infrastructure, which could take more than four years to fully establish. He emphasized that once operational, the policy could significantly boost Ghana’s manufacturing sector and support its broader industrialization agenda. As the political discourse intensifies, the successful execution of this policy remains a critical benchmark for the Mahama administration’s ability to address unemployment and drive sustainable economic growth.