Don't rush 24-hour economy policy rollout - Yendi MP warns

Member of Parliament for Yendi, Abdul Fatawu Alhassan, has warned President Mahama against rushing the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy policy, cautioning that speed without proper planning could undermine its success.

During an interview on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV, on February 20, 2026, the legislator advised the government to prioritise putting the necessary systems in place instead of trying to implement all components of the policy within a single year.

“Mahama shouldn’t be focused on delivering the entire 24-Hour mandate within 4 years. If we rush to implement all the details about the 24-Hour policy, we may do shoddy work,” he said.

According to him, the Free Senior High School programme faced challenges including infrastructure constraints and complications due to a fast-track approach.

He stressed that political pressure from opponents should not force the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to rush the 24-Hour Economy agenda.

President Mahama assents to 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill

“For us, political pressures from opponents should not push us to rush things under the 24-hour economy policy implementation. We believe we should put the necessary structures in place and ensure the resources invested are worthwhile,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in the long-term potential of the policy, adding that once properly implemented, it would make a meaningful contribution to Ghana’s economic growth.

President Mahama on Thursday, February 19, 2026, signed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill into law, a move described by government officials as a major step in the country’s economic transformation drive.

The policy seeks to encourage businesses to operate in shifts around the clock to increase productivity, improve service delivery and create jobs, particularly for young people struggling to find employment.

While supporters see the initiative as a bold strategy to stimulate growth and reduce unemployment, Fatawu Alhassan’s remarks corroborate growing calls within the governing party for careful planning to ensure the policy delivers lasting results rather than short term political gains.

SO/VPO

Witnesses give details of Mamprobi Polyclinic kidnapping incident