Following what has largely been described by the Minority in Parliament as deception of Ghanaian youth,the Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Honourable Onyinah Acheampong Akwasi-Gyamfi is reaffirming his side’s position that the ruling government’s widely trumpetted 24-hour economy policy was nothing but a mere promise.
The ruling National Democratic Congress’ (NDC’s) 24-hour economy which produced the two-thirds majority in Parliament is widely facing backlashes from job seekers and the opposition New Patriotic Party.
The accusations stemmed from what Honourable Onyinah Acheampong Akwasi-Gyamfi referred to a promise that was lifted from elsewhere lacking the necessary due no diligence and clear intent to fulfil.
“The government is deceiving Ghana’s youth with the pretence of creating the needed job opportunities for the teeming youths under the flagship 24-hour economy policy, which it has failed to deliver on its promises,”the outspoken first-time Member of Parliament has accused.
The Kwabre East lawmaker is questioning the government’s commitment to the policy, citing a lack of budgetary allocation for its implementation in the 2025 budget.
“They talked about 24-hour economy, national apprenticeship programme, one million coders… but there’s no budgetary allocation for 24-hour economy in the 2025 budget,” the lawmaker stated.
The lawmaker also highlighted the disparity in budget allocations, noting that while GHC 292 million was allocated for the purchase of sanitary pads and GHC 207 million for rebasing the GDP, only GHC 110 million was allocated for the 24-hour economy policy, which is expected to create 1.7 million jobs.
The legislator further accused NDC of shifting goalposts on the policy, saying the party is changing its narrative to suit its interests.
The party initially promised that various sectors of the economy, including the passport office, would implement 24-hour economy, but now says it will focus on the private sector.
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about Ghana’s economic management and the need for greater accountability in government spending.
The Honourable Member insist that the government’s defence on the matter is untenable therefore lacking credibility.
“Honourable Onyinah Acheampong Kwasi-Gyamfi, stressed,”The youth, who were promised a brighter future with the implementation of the 24-hour economy policy, are now questioning the sincerity of the government’s intentions.
“They are deceiving us, they are tricking us into thinking they care about our future, but the reality is they are only interested in winning elections.”
The NDC’s handling of the 24-hour economy policy has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in government.
Story by Prosper Kwaku Selassy
Agbitor
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