The much-touted 24-hour economy policy, a flagship campaign promise that helped propel the National Democratic Congress to power in the 2024 elections, has come under sharp scrutiny in Parliament, with the Member of Parliament for New Juaben North, Nana Osei-Adjei, accusing the government of failing to demonstrate real commitment to its implementation even after 13 months in office.
Contributing to the debate on the Message on the State of the Nation delivered by President John Dramani Mahama, the MP said the government had yet to show concrete evidence that the widely publicised policy is being rolled out.
According to him, despite repeated references to economic recovery and positive macroeconomic indicators, there is no clear national framework, no identifiable new industries, and no employment data linked to the 24-hour economy initiative.
“Mister Speaker, this government promised us a twenty-four-hour economy, but in 2026, there is no clear national framework, no new industries have emerged, no employment statistics have been provided related to this promise, and there is no clear budget line supporting the policy”, Hon Osei-Agyei stated.
The 24-hour economy policy was one of the central pillars of the NDC’s campaign ahead of the 2024 elections, promising continuous production across sectors, increased productivity and massive job creation through a system where businesses operate in three shifts.
But the New Juaben North legislator argued that the government’s own economic narrative does not match the everyday realities faced by Ghanaians.
Drawing comparisons between the 2025 and 2026 State of the Nation addresses, he said both speeches carried almost identical assurances about resetting the economy and placing it on a path of growth and prosperity.
“Mister Speaker, from 2025 to 2026, we are still hearing the same language about resetting the economy. Meanwhile, the cost of living remains high, and businesses continue to struggle,” he said.
The MP further challenged government claims about improving macroeconomic indicators, insisting that economic progress must ultimately translate into jobs and improved livelihoods.
“In every economy, when the macro indicators are strong, the economy should expand. When there is expansion, banks open new branches, retailers expand, and jobs are created,” he said.
“But today, we are being told about brilliant macroeconomic indicators, yet we are not seeing the jobs.”
He also questioned discrepancies in job creation figures, pointing out that while government officials had claimed one million jobs had been created, data from the Ghana Statistical Service suggested the figure was closer to 600,000.
The MP further challenged statements attributed to the Deputy Finance Minister on the floor that some banks were lending at interest rates as low as 10 to 11 percent, calling on the government to publicly identify such institutions.
“We are not eating macroeconomic indicators,” he said. “If there are banks lending at 10 percent or 11 percent, the Deputy Finance Minister should come back to this House and tell Ghanaians which banks they are.”
According to him, such information would allow businesses and women entrepreneurs, many of whom had been promised access to affordable financing through the proposed Women’s Development Bank, to benefit from the lower rates.
Mr. Osei-Adjei also criticised the government for failing to acknowledge the previous administration in some of its achievements, particularly regarding maritime security assets.
He noted that patrol vessels currently protecting Ghana’s territorial waters were acquired under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, arguing that credit should be given where it is due.
