NDC Will Not Rush 24-Hour Economy Implementation Despite Election Promise – Hajia Alimatu Issahak

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, Hajia Alimatu Issahak, has defended the government’s approach to implementing its flagship 24-hour economy policy, insisting that the administration will not rush the process simply because it promised Ghanaians the initiative.

Her comments come amid growing public debate over the pace of implementation of the policy, which the NDC presented as a major strategy to create jobs, increase productivity and transform Ghana’s economy.

Hajia Alimatu Issahak’s position reflects the government’s argument that implementing a policy of such scale requires careful planning, adequate preparation and the establishment of the necessary structures to ensure its success.

The 24-hour economy initiative is designed to encourage businesses and selected public institutions to operate beyond traditional working hours, with the broader objective of expanding production, boosting exports and creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

The programme is also expected to support manufacturing, agro-processing and other productive sectors through measures such as financing assistance, tax incentives and access to reliable electricity for participating businesses.

The government has maintained that the policy cannot be fully implemented overnight because it requires coordination across several sectors, including energy, transportation, security and finance.

In October 2026, another NDC Communications Team member, Zigfred Acquah, similarly argued that the initiative required careful planning rather than a rushed rollout. He cited electricity supply challenges and the economic conditions inherited by the administration as factors influencing the pace of implementation.

The government has also taken institutional steps towards implementing the programme. President John Dramani Mahama assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill in February 2026, establishing a legal framework for coordinating the initiative across public institutions and private businesses.

Despite these developments, the policy continues to attract scrutiny from opposition figures and sections of the public, particularly over when its promised employment benefits will become visible.

Unemployment remains a major concern for many Ghanaian households, with young graduates and jobseekers looking for practical measures that can create sustainable work opportunities.

The NDC has maintained that the initiative is intended to produce lasting economic benefits rather than short-term results. However, the government faces pressure to demonstrate measurable progress and explain how the policy will translate into new jobs and increased business activity.

Hajia Alimatu Issahak’s remarks therefore underline the administration’s position that implementation should be guided by preparation and sustainability, even as Ghanaians await the full benefits of one of the NDC’s major campaign promises.

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