TEMA, Ghana, 2nd July: Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), has urged the government to remain committed to the core objective of its 24-Hour Economy Policy, warning against shifting its focus solely to extending market trading hours.
According to him, while operating markets around the clock is a positive initiative, the true success of the policy should be measured by its ability to create sustainable jobs through industrial growth and private sector expansion.
“The focus of the 24-Hour Economy Policy shouldn’t be shifted to only markets. Running markets for 24 hours is a good idea because it will serve workers who work night shifts, but the essence of the policy is job creation,” he said.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Thursday Class programme on Thursday, July 2, Mr. Koomson stressed that the GFL’s primary concern is employment creation, which can only be achieved by creating a conducive business environment that attracts investment and supports the growth of local industries.
“Our concern with the 24-Hour Economy Policy is job creation. Jobs can only be created when government creates a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Once investors have confidence in the economy, they will establish businesses, employ Ghanaians, and those workers will have the purchasing power to support the markets. If government focuses only on the markets, the policy will not achieve its intended purpose,” he explained.
Mr. Koomson disclosed that the GFL intends to seek a meeting with officials of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to present its concerns and recommendations.
He cautioned that without a deliberate emphasis on industrial production and manufacturing, the policy could end up being limited to institutions such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Passport Office and markets operating on extended hours, without delivering the large-scale employment opportunities promised to Ghanaians.
“We intend engaging the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat and the Trade Ministry because, if care is not taken, the policy will end up being about the DVLA, the Passport Office and the markets operating for 24 hours. That will not help the country in any meaningful way,” he stated.
The GFL Secretary General maintained that industries—not markets—should form the backbone of the 24-Hour Economy. He argued that businesses are not necessarily asking government for financial support but rather for policies that reduce the cost of doing business and encourage expansion.
He criticised what he described as “nuisance taxes” imposed on businesses, including the fumigation service charge on containers, the Import Declaration Form (IDF) levy and the proposed cargo levy, arguing that such taxes discourage investment and undermine job creation.
“Industries should be the focus of the 24-Hour Economy. They don’t necessarily need money from government; they need a business-friendly environment. Introducing nuisance taxes and levies will only make it more difficult for businesses to grow. We know government needs taxes to function, but it should not impose taxes that undermine businesses when there are many other ways of raising revenue by widening the tax net,” he said.
Mr. Koomson further noted that although taxation is necessary for national development, government must avoid imposing excessive taxes that threaten the survival of businesses capable of employing thousands of Ghanaians.
“Government certainly needs revenue through taxes, but that doesn’t mean it should tax businesses in ways that destroy them. Taxes are necessary, but they must not lead to unemployment. We will engage the Trade Ministry on some of these taxes, including the fumigation levy,” he added.
He warned that workers would ultimately bear the consequences if businesses are forced to scale down or shut their operations because of an unfavourable business environment.
Mr. Koomson therefore called on trade unions, particularly those representing workers in the manufacturing sector, to support the GFL’s campaign for policies that promote industrialisation and employment.
“Workers are the ones who will suffer most if jobs are not created. That is why government must prioritise employment creation. Trade unions, especially those in manufacturing, should join this campaign because if there are no workers, there will be nobody for the unions to organise,” he concluded.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭