Accra: Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has criticised the government's approach to implementing the 24-Hour Economy policy, arguing that it fails to address the country's core economic challenges.
According to Ghana Web, the lawmaker, who also serves as Vice Chairman of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislative Committee, spoke on JoyNews on Monday, March 16, 2026, stating that the strategy reflects a misdiagnosis of Ghana's economic problems, particularly in relation to job creation. He emphasized that long-term employment opportunities can only be created by empowering the private sector rather than expanding public sector jobs.
Nana Agyei questioned the practicality of the government's actions, noting, "Take the 24-Hour Economy, for instance. All they have come to do is bring a law to Parliament and set up a secretariat. We were not promised a secretariat. We were promised one job, three shifts. Do you need a secretariat to do that?"
He further critiqued the assumption that businesses would automatically expand operations simply because the government introduces a policy or promises financial support, explaining, "A company won't run extra shifts just because funding is promised; it does so because there is actual demand. This shows a clear misunderstanding of Ghana's economic reality."
Expressing concern over the trend of recruitment across public institutions, the MP warned that such an approach could burden the national budget. "I sit back and watch the promises that were made. Clearly, the government has misdiagnosed its problems. They are doing more of the same things they criticised because they didn't have a plan. Indeed, they had no plan to solve the real problems of this country," he said.
He also cautioned against politically motivated hiring in state institutions, which could have long-term financial consequences. "Today, in trying to make up for unemployment within their own party, they've embarked on massive recruitments. Go to the Bank of Ghana; they are recruiting. Go to various SOEs; they are recruiting lots of people. But look, this is unsustainable. You're only broaching the public purse. In the long term, this will increase government payroll and restrict financial space for developmental programs," he stated.
While acknowledging the role of government in economic development, Nana Agyei insisted on the importance of creating conditions that allow private businesses to thrive. "Jobs are created by the private sector. Governments have to create an enabling environment for businesses to grow. Take procurement at the Gold Board, for instance. If you create a competitive environment, it allows private businesses to grow not just financially but also in capacity. That capacity can then take them to other African markets," he explained.
He warned against favouring politically connected individuals over competitive businesses, as it could undermine genuine economic growth. "If you restrict opportunities and limit them to cronies, the private sector is deprived of real growth. Today's cronies may lose out when the next government comes in. We are breeding political entrepreneurs, not real businessmen," he remarked.
Nana Agyei concluded by stressing that while government intervention is necessary, policies must ultimately strengthen private companies and allow them to create sustainable employment opportunities. "Government intervention is necessary, but the focus must be on strengthening private companies so they can create jobs. That is the sustainable path for Ghana's future," he stated.