Richard Ahiagbah, the National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has challenged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s claim of implementing a 24-hour economy. Ahiagbah argues that the NDC’s current approach, focused on extending service delivery hours in institutions like the Passport Office and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), deviates from the original vision of a production-driven 24-hour economy. He contends that a genuine 24-hour economy should prioritize value creation, wealth generation, and increased production, thereby stimulating job creation and economic growth. The NPP spokesperson’s critique stems from President Mahama’s recent address to the nation, where he highlighted the extension of operational hours in certain government agencies as progress towards a 24-hour economic system.
Ahiagbah emphasizes the distinction between extending service hours and fostering a true 24-hour production cycle. He posits that simply keeping government offices open longer does not equate to a vibrant, productive economy operating around the clock. He underscores the need for increased manufacturing, industrial activity, and other productive endeavors that operate continuously, generating employment opportunities and contributing to national prosperity. This, he argues, is the essence of a 24-hour economy, and the current government’s efforts fall short of this goal. Ahiagbah questions the efficacy of citing extended service hours in government agencies as evidence of a functioning 24-hour economy. He frames these measures as “skirmishes” that fail to address the fundamental need for enhanced production.
The NPP spokesperson’s argument centers on the premise that a 24-hour economy should primarily focus on maximizing output and generating economic value. He suggests that the NDC government has misconstrued the concept, interpreting it as merely extending the operational hours of existing services, rather than fundamentally transforming the economic landscape to one of continuous production. Ahiagbah also links the concept of a 24-hour economy to Ghana’s export potential. He asserts that a weaker currency, contrary to conventional economic wisdom, could be advantageous in a production-driven, export-oriented economy. This is because a weaker currency makes exports more competitive in the international market, potentially boosting production and creating further employment opportunities.
Ahiagbah’s critique zeroes in on the nature of the activities being highlighted as evidence of the 24-hour economy. He argues that services like passport issuance and driver’s license processing, while important, are not the drivers of economic growth that a true 24-hour economy should prioritize. He envisions a system where factories, industries, and other productive enterprises operate continuously, maximizing output and generating wealth. This, he believes, will create more meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, contributing significantly to economic development. He contrasts this with the current approach, which he sees as focusing on peripheral activities rather than the core elements of a productive economy.
The NPP spokesperson’s concern underscores the importance of distinguishing between service delivery and actual production. He argues that while extending service hours can improve efficiency and accessibility, it does not inherently contribute to economic growth in the same way as increased production. He highlights the need for policies and initiatives that incentivize and facilitate continuous production across various sectors of the economy. This, he suggests, would be a more effective approach to creating jobs, boosting exports, and achieving sustainable economic growth. He argues that a true 24-hour economy should be focused on creating value and generating wealth through continuous production, rather than simply extending the hours of existing services.
In essence, Ahiagbah criticizes the NDC government for misinterpreting the concept of a 24-hour economy. He argues that their focus on extending service delivery hours is a superficial approach that fails to address the fundamental need for increased production and value creation. He advocates for a production-driven 24-hour economic model that prioritizes manufacturing, industry, and other productive activities, leading to job creation, export growth, and overall economic prosperity. He believes this approach, coupled with a potentially advantageous weaker currency in an export-driven context, would be a more effective strategy for achieving sustainable economic development.
