Accra: Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Finance Committee, Dr Stephen Amoah, has voiced significant concerns regarding the government's proposed bill to establish a 24-Hour Economy Secretariat. Dr Amoah criticized the initiative, arguing that the policy lacks clarity and sufficient groundwork.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Amoah expressed the Minority's unease with the policy framework during an interview on Joy FM's Top Story. While not opposing the concept of a 24-hour economy, he highlighted issues such as the creation of redundant institutions and questioned the rationale behind forming a new authority when existing government structures could potentially fulfill similar roles.
Dr Amoah likened the establishment of the new authority to "buying a plane without an airport," emphasizing the inefficiency of the move. He further critiqued the government for seemingly rushing the process without thoroughly evaluating the proposed Secretariat's sustainability and effectiveness.
Highlighting that elements of a 24-hour system already exist in sectors like health and security, Dr Amoah stressed the importance of focusing on manufacturing and value-chain expansion for real economic impact. He pointed out the absence of supporting data and research, noting that the government has yet to develop a comprehensive value chain or conduct adequate research on the proposal.
Drawing comparisons with practices in Asia and Europe, Dr Amoah mentioned how large factories in those regions operate multiple shifts, employing thousands of workers. He also called into question the government's claims of extensive stakeholder engagement, urging them to release concrete policy documents to substantiate their plans.