Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has criticised the government’s approach to implementing the 24-Hour Economy policy, arguing that it fails to address the country’s core economic challenges.

Speaking on JoyNews on Monday, March 16, 2026, the lawmaker, who also serves as Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislative Committee, said the strategy reflects what he described as a misdiagnosis of Ghana’s economic problems, particularly in relation to job creation.

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According to him, long-term employment opportunities can only be created by empowering the private sector rather than expanding public sector jobs.

“Take the 24-Hour Economy, for instance. All they have come to do is bring a law to Parliament and set up a secretariat. We were not promised a secretariat. We were promised one job, three shifts. Do you need a secretariat to do that?” he questioned

He questioned the assumption that businesses would automatically expand operations simply because the government introduces a policy or promises financial support.

“A company won’t run extra shifts just because funding is promised; it does so because there is actual demand. This shows a clear misunderstanding of Ghana’s economic reality,” he explained.

The MP also expressed concern about what he sees as a growing trend of recruitment across public institutions, warning that such an approach could place a heavy burden on the national budget.

“I sit back and watch the promises that were made. Clearly, the government has misdiagnosed its problems. They are doing more of the same things they criticised because they didn’t have a plan. Indeed, they had no plan to solve the real problems of this country,” he said.

He further cautioned that politically motivated hiring in state institutions could have long-term consequences for the country’s finances.

“Today, in trying to make up for unemployment within their own party, they’ve embarked on massive recruitments. Go to the Bank of Ghana; they are recruiting. Go to various SOEs; they are recruiting lots of people. But look, this is unsustainable. You’re only broaching the public purse. In the long term, this will increase government payroll and restrict financial space for developmental programs,” he said.

While acknowledging the role of government in economic development, Nana Agyei insisted that the real solution lies in creating conditions that allow private businesses to thrive.

“Jobs are created by the private sector. Governments have to create an enabling environment for businesses to grow. Take procurement at the Gold Board, for instance. If you create a competitive environment, it allows private businesses to grow not just financially but also in capacity. That capacity can then take them to other African markets,” he stated.

He also warned that favouring politically connected individuals over competitive businesses could undermine genuine economic growth.

“If you restrict opportunities and limit them to cronies, the private sector is deprived of real growth. Today’s cronies may lose out when the next government comes in. We are breeding political entrepreneurs, not real businessmen,” he said.

Nana Agyei concluded by stressing that while government intervention is necessary, policies must ultimately strengthen private companies and allow them to create sustainable employment opportunities.

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“Government intervention is necessary, but the focus must be on strengthening private companies so they can create jobs. That is the sustainable path for Ghana’s future,” Nana Agyei said.

NA/VPO

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