By Naa Shormei Odonkor
Kumasi March 13, GNA – Some traders in the central business district of Adum in Kumasi, have expressed security concerns on the proposed 24-Hour economy policy intended to be presented to Parliament for approval by the government.
This followed Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister’s assurance of the implementation of the policy during the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government, presented to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
He said a detailed 24-Hour policy initiative will be formally presented to parliament at a separate date in due course.
The traders told the Ghana News Agency that, Ghanaian citizens were already battling with daytime robbery, and not to mention the introduction of working in the night.
Madam Kumwaa Aboagye, a mobile money vendor, said she would like to know if the banking sector would be included in the 24-Hour economy policy.
“If the banking sector will be allowed to operate in the 24-Hour economy policy then I fear for them because even at daytime we are not guaranteed safety,” she noted.
Mr Anthony Kwesi Appiah, a trader in Asante traditional footwear, applauded the government for intending to scrap some taxes, which he described as irrelevant.
However, he appealed to government in respect to the 24-Hour economy initiative, to ensure that security was prioritized.
Mr Appiah observed that safety in the country was a big challenge as citizens always gambled with their lives everyday especially, when returning home at night after a day’s work.
“There are some areas that even during the day you are unsafe to pass through for the fear of being robbed,” he said.
Hence, he appealed to government to consider safety before the implementation of the 24-Hour economy policy.
The 24-hour economy policy is a government flagship initiative geared towards job creation and economic growth through infrastructural development.
GNA
KOM/LAA