Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, has called for the depoliticisation of Ghana’s new 24-Hour Economy Policy and urged that it be brought before Parliament for national debate to secure broad-based support and ensure effective implementation.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Mr. Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Advisor and head of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, Mr. Bagbin stressed that the policy should be treated as a national programme, not a partisan initiative. Mr. Tanoh presented the official policy document to the Speaker ahead of its anticipated launch by President John Dramani Mahama on July 2, 2025.
“This policy must be presented to Parliament after the launch to give it an official stamp and provide the opportunity to be debated to get the buy-in of all organs of government,” Mr. Bagbin said. “We have to make it a national programme to ensure its seamless implementation for the common good of the people.”
Citing precedents such as the Vision 2020 policy under President Rawlings and the Free Senior High School policy under President Akufo-Addo, the Speaker noted that important national programmes require parliamentary endorsement to foster long-term continuity and credibility.
The 24-Hour Economy Policy, a flagship promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections, is aimed at transforming Ghana’s economy through extended working shifts, particularly in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services. The programme is designed to stimulate job creation, improve productivity, and promote an export-led economy.
Mr. Tanoh, in his remarks, outlined the core framework of the policy, which is anchored on three thematic areas: Production Transformation, Supply Chain and Market Efficiency, and Human Capital Development. These are supported by eight sub-programmes, including ‘Grow 24,’ ‘Make 24,’ ‘Aspire 24,’ ‘Connect 24,’ ‘Show Ghana,’ and ‘Go Ghana.’
He explained that agriculture would serve as the backbone of the policy, aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency and spurring industrial growth. Components like ‘Make 24’ are expected to ramp up local manufacturing, while ‘Aspire 24’ will focus on public sector reform and attitudinal change to improve productivity.
Mr. Bagbin lauded the policy’s ambition but warned against its politicisation. “We don’t need to categorise it on partisan, religious or ethnic basis,” he stated. “We must support good policies that promote national development regardless of which government initiates them.”
The Speaker’s comments come amid growing calls for bipartisan cooperation in the implementation of major national policies. His appeal signals a push to institutionalise the 24-Hour Economy Policy as a cross-cutting development initiative with wide national acceptance.
