24-hour economy not for chop bars, police officers – Ghana Federation of Labour

The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Abraham Koomson, has responded to critics who claim that President John Dramani Mahama's campaign highlight for the 2024 general election which is the 24-hour economy policy will only benefit a select few, such as chop bar operators and police officers.

According to him, the policy will benefit all hardworking individuals and businesses.

Speaking on GhanaWeb TV’s BizTech programme, hosted by Ernestina Serwaa Asante, the Secretary General categorically stated that the 24-hour economy policy, when implemented, will address the high unemployment rate by creating numerous jobs under a three-shift system.

He added that industries will also experience growth as increased labour will lead to higher production, spur growth, and subsequently contribute to the expansion of the local economy.

“Somebody may say the 24-hour economy is for the police, the chop bars; they don’t understand the issues very well. It is about creating jobs, reducing unemployment, and encouraging our industries to grow,” Koomson said on GhanaWeb TV’s BizTech program.

He also noted that the local economy stands to benefit significantly from these local industries through the policy.

The 24-hour economy is a policy intervention by the John Mahama government to encourage and support certain businesses and companies to operate 24/7, preferably in a three-shift system of eight hours each.

This initiative aims to create an enabling environment that promotes productivity, competitiveness, and well-paying jobs.

According to the government, this will be achieved through an agenda to modernize and mechanize agriculture, provide incentives for the private sector to thrive, promote agro-processing and manufacturing, and transform Ghana into an import substitution and export-led economy, among other measures.

The policy seeks to stabilize the local currency, reduce inflation and interest rates, create more employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods across the country.

SA/MA

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