By Godwill Arthur-Mensah,GNA
Accra, July 15, GNA – Parliament has adopted the Report of the Joint Committee on Economy and Development and Trade, Industry and Tourism on the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
The adoption of the Committee’s Report signals parliamentary support for the full implementation of the policy.
During debate on the floor of the House on Tuesday, the Majority side,led by Mr Atta Issah, NDC Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu and a member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, defended the programme.
He explained that the initiative was designed to boost value addition to raw materials, expand exports, and strengthen industries such as pharmaceuticals and local markets, while creating jobs for the youth.
The Minority Caucus led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Effutu, criticised the government for failing to continue laudable initiatives such as the One District, One Factory programme, which they argued created jobs for the youth under the previous administration.
The Minority further accused the government of increasing electricity tariffs, describing it as a disincentive to industrialisation, and failing to deliver on its ‘One Job, Three Shifts’ promise to create employment opportunities.
The 24-Hour Economy concept is part of government’s broader strategy to stimulate industrial growth, enhance productivity, and diversify Ghana’s export base.
By encouraging round-the-clock operations in key sectors, the programme seeks to maximise resource utilisation, reduce unemployment, and position Ghana competitively in global trade.
The adoption of the Committee’s report signals parliamentary support for the initiative, though partisan debate highlights the challenges of balancing continuity of past programmes with new policy directions.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Reporter’s email: [email protected]