The Deputy Communication Director of the United Party, Ebo Buckman, has described the National Democratic Congress’ proposed 24-hour economy policy as a potential “game changer” for Ghana, insisting it is far superior to initiatives implemented by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to him, a careful reading of the 24-hour economy policy document reveals a structured and detailed framework capable of transforming the country’s economic landscape if implemented as outlined.
He acknowledged that the NPP introduced notable flagship programmes such as Planting for Food and Jobs and One District, One Factory (1D1F), admitting that while the concepts were ambitious, execution and prioritisation were flawed.
Buckman argued that 1D1F, which he described as one of the most promising industrialisation policies, was undermined by internal political interests within the NPP. He criticised the heavy investment in the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO), reportedly close to GH¢4 billion, describing the programme as wasteful and unsustainable.
In contrast, he noted that only about GH¢450 million — nearly 10 percent of what was spent on NABCO — was allocated to 1D1F. He maintained that had the billions spent on NABCO been channelled into expanding factories under 1D1F, thousands of beneficiaries who are currently unemployed could have secured permanent jobs in productive sectors.
Buckman concluded that Ghana’s challenge has not been a lack of ideas but rather poor strategic focus and implementation. He stressed that if the NDC government faithfully executes the 24-hour economy policy as documented, it could mark a decisive turning point for the country’s economic growth and job creation agenda.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku