The vision for a vibrant 24-hour economy in Ghana stands in stark contrast to the lackluster leadership of former President HE John Dramani Mahama.
His tenure was marked by challenges, notably the ‘Dumsor’ crisis, and unfulfilled promises such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) one-time premium.
The ‘Dumsor’ crisis inflicted substantial economic costs, crippling businesses and investor confidence in Ghana.
The current administration led by HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and HE Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia showcases a proactive approach towards establishing a robust 24-hour economic framework.
Various sectors in Ghana now operate round-the-clock, demonstrating proficiency and vision absent during Mahama’s tenure.
Sectors with 24-hour operations:
1. Automobile Industry: Companies like Volkswagen and Toyota run assembly plants with 24-hour shifts to meet production demands.
2. One District, One Factory (1D1F) Initiative: Factories such as Ekumfi Fruits and Juices Factory and Casa De Ropa Potato Factory operate 24-hour shifts, contributing to industrial growth and employment.
3. Healthcare Sector: Facilities like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital provide essential medical services 24/7.
4. Hospitality and Tourism: Hotels like Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City and Golden Tulip Kumasi City offer services round-the-clock.
5. Transportation and Logistics: Kotoka International Airport, Port of Tema, ride-hailing services like Uber and Yango, and intercity travel services such as VIP Jeoun Transport Company operate continuously, facilitating movement and trade.
6. Telecommunications and IT Services: MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana offer continuous services on a 24-hour schedule.
7. Security Services: Companies like G4S Security Services Ghana Limited and Securicor provide round-the-clock security solutions.
8. Media and Broadcasting: Stations like Joy FM and Citi FM operate 24 hours a day.
9. Retail and Convenience Stores: Chain stores like Shoprite and Melcom maintain some 24-hour operations in urban areas.
10. Emergency Services: Ghana National Fire Service and Ghana Police Service ensure public safety 24/7.
11. Manufacturing and Industrial Operations: Ghana Cocoa Board and Ghana Rubber Estates Limited run 24-hour shifts, reflecting industrial growth.
12. Financial Services: Ecobank Ghana and Standard Chartered Bank Ghana offer 24/7 banking services.
13. Oil and Gas Industry: Operations in the Jubilee Field and the TEN fields by Tullow Oil and GNPC run continuously with 24-hour shifts.
14. Mining Sector: Gold mines like Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo Mine and AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Gold Mine operate non-stop with 24-hour shifts.
15. Local Nightlife in Accra and Kumasi: Nightlife in cities like Accra and Kumasi, with establishments like Carbon Nightclub and Vienna City, thrive with 24-hour activity.
The current government’s efficient implementation of policies fostering continuous economic activity, including various sectors operating 24/7, starkly contrasts the challenges faced during Mahama’s tenure. The NDC must provide detailed plans for their version of the 24-hour economy, as the progress under the NPP government is evident in various sectors supporting round-the-clock operations.
Long live Ghana and the NPP.
Kwaku Bimpeh
NPP UK Communication Director
Communications@nppuk.org
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com