Abu Jinapor criticises govt over 24-Hour economy policy

The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has criticised the Mahama administration over what he describes as its failure to implement the proposed three-shift, eight-hour system under the government’s 24-hour economy policy, nearly one year into its tenure.

Mr. Jinapor argued that the policy remains largely unimplemented across state institutions, noting that the Office of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is the only arm of government operating a form of shift system—and even that, he said, does not run for a full 24 hours.

Contributing to the debate on the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill in Parliament on Thursday, February 5, the MP said that almost a year into the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, the flagship policy has not translated into tangible jobs for the unemployed youth.

“Eleven months into the NDC administration, their flagship programme of a 24-hour economy, with the three-shift system for unemployed Ghanaian youth, the only place working some form of shifts today is the Office of the Speaker of Parliament—and even that is not a full 24-hour operation,” he stated.

Mr. Jinapor also opposed the establishment of a new authority to oversee the 24-hour economy, arguing that existing institutions such as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) already have mandates that could support export-led job creation.

“You do not need another authority to promote exports and thereby create a 24-hour economy. We already have the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, whose sole mandate is to promote exports,” he asserted.

The Damongo MP further contended that the bill is aimed more at creating positions for political allies than addressing youth unemployment.

“Mr. Speaker, this is another gimmick. This is another deception. It is meant to buy time and give false hope to the unemployed youth. This authority will only create jobs for a few—another CEO, deputy CEOs, and managers. It will not affect the suffering unemployed youth from Bolgatanga to Keta, Bosome Freho, and across the length and breadth of this country,” he said.

According to him, Ghanaians are frustrated by what he described as repeated promises without action.

“Ghanaians are tired of hope; they want action. Young men and women in this country cannot find jobs. One year down the line, instead of implementing the 24-hour economy, they are asking us to create another bureaucracy,” he added.