Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the Mahama administration of failing to deliver on its 24-hour economy campaign promise, arguing that the government's policies have yet to create the expected opportunities for young Ghanaians.

He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) came into office promising to create jobs through its flagship 24-hour economy policy but has not delivered on that commitment.

Speaking in an interview with DW Africa on Friday, October 30, 2026, Afenyo-Markin questioned the government's approach to job creation, particularly its treatment of private-sector businesses.

'Eeeiii President Mahama!' - Afenyo Markin criticises Mahama's 24-Hour Economy

He argued that instead of introducing measures to reduce the cost of doing business, the government had increased tariffs, putting additional pressure on private enterprises.

"What did they vote for? They voted for a new government that promised, the NDC that promised a 24-hour economy, one job, three shifts. But within two years, the one job, three shifts has failed," he said.

Afenyo-Markin maintained that the private sector must receive the support it needs to expand and create jobs, insisting that government alone cannot address the country's unemployment challenges.

He also criticised the cancellation of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme, arguing that the government had not announced a clear alternative to support businesses.

"The trade ministry, as we speak, has not announced any alternative policy to help the private sector. We need the private sector to grow the economy," he stated.

The Minority Leader further questioned the government's commitment to fighting illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.

He said although the NDC had strongly criticised the Akufo-Addo administration over illegal mining while in opposition, it had yet to present a comprehensive policy to Parliament to address the problem.

"The government hasn't come out with any anti-Galamsi policy to the House floor. I can assure you that if they come with a formidable policy, all of us will support them. But they have not brought any policy," he said.

Afenyo-Markin, however, conceded that the NPP also struggled to tackle illegal mining while in government.

He attributed some of the difficulties to what he described as the NDC's partisan approach to the issue during the previous administration.

On employment, he called for greater investment in skills training and a deliberate effort to promote technical and vocational education to equip young people for opportunities beyond traditional white-collar jobs.

He said sustainable job creation would depend largely on developing a strong private sector and providing the right conditions for businesses to grow.

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