Mahama Proposes 24-Hour Economy to Reduce Unemployment in Ghana

During his presidential campaign for the 2024 election, John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), outlined a 24-hour economy policy as a key pillar of his economic agenda. The policy aims to expand job opportunities and stimulate continuous productivity across sectors. Mahama accused the current administration of destroying the economy, which has contributed to the increasing rate of youth unemployment.

Key Takeaways:

• The 24-hour economic policy aims to reduce unemployment among Ghanaian youth by incentivizing businesses to work for longer hours and employ more people.
• The policy estimates an additional 20,000 police officers will be required to augment the current numbers, with a decentralized and fair process to recruit many of the young people into the security services.
• Mahama criticized the current administration for destroying the economy, leading to increasing youth unemployment, and accused them of corruption and high cost of living.
• The NDC, under Mahama's leadership, vows to stabilize the economy, continue infrastructure development, and prioritize job creation.
• Mahama stated that Ghana was in its worst economic crisis, and his administration would work to rescue the country from corruption and mismanagement.

Statistics:

• The NDC estimates that the 24-hour economic policy will provide incentives to businesses to employ more people.
• The policy aims to create jobs and stimulate continuous productivity across sectors.
• Ghana is currently facing a critical economic crisis, with increasing youth unemployment.
• The NDC estimates an additional 20,000 police officers will be required to support the 24-hour economy.
• The country's current public debt and high cost of living have been attributed to the mismanagement of the current administration.

Sources:

• Ghana Web, 30 July 2025