The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) says it supports the creation of an economic and national development system that would hinge on a 24/7 economy, as proposed by former President John Dramani Mahama.
“Our Federation is indeed elated by the former President Mahama’s assurance of implementing an economic policy that will revive collapsed industries and create more jobs.
“In the 1970s up to the early 90s, a three-shift system operated in manufacturing industries in the country, which created employment for thousands of workers,” Mr. Abraham Koomson, GFL Secretary General, stated in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on the proposal by former President Mahama.
Mr. Koomson explained that unfortunately, systemic failures of the economic policies of governments took a toll on the thriving industries, resulting in massive layoffs of workers.
He revealed that some investors had relocated capital to other African countries where the business environment was favourable, creating massive unemployment in the country.
“That’s why we’re obliged as trade unions to embrace the proposed policy of reviving the three-shift system to create more jobs.
“We believe once effective measures are enforced to deal with smuggling, pirating of locally manufactured products, and the removal of outrageous and nuisance taxes, the local industries will rebound to create jobs to fulfil the objectives of the 24/7 policy.
Mr. Koomson challenged political parties to come out with manifesto policies that would address the national economic challenges.
“The era of political cheap promises is over. In Election 2024, labour unions will scrutinise the policies and proposals of political parties.
“We would also monitor political pronouncements on campaign platforms and challenge parties to them. Labour unions would expose political parties that would come up with hallow proposals and support tangible ones”.
Mr. Koomson encouraged political parties to bring out policy proposals that focus on job creation in both the private and public sectors and spell out measures to strengthen the nation’s economy.
He emphasised that the next government must promote revenue generation, job opportunities, and private sector development, reduce the cost of living, and eliminate taxes that hinder business growth, affecting small, medium, and large companies.
The Federation of Labour tasked the various labour unions to monitor sector by sector; the Ghana Medical Association must monitor political pronouncements on health; all unions and associations that relate to the education sector; and the federation will work with other labour associations and bodies to monitor the political campaign from a non-partisan point of view.
Mr. Koomson also called on civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, gender and youth groups, sports, and other allied groups to all set up a monitoring mechanism to examine political messages from a professional perspective and advise accordingly.
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Another group with the name Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG) has endorsed the 24-hour economy proposed by the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, the association indicated that the 24-hour economic will be a game-changer, especially for unemployed individuals.
Former President John Dramani Mahama announced a 24-hour economy policy to revive Ghana’s ailing economy in his 2020 manifesto and reiterated same during his recent campaign tours.
Providing insight into this policy, Mr. Mahama said, “I envision a 24-hour economy where hospital facilities, filling stations, manufacturers, construction companies, garbage collection companies, mining and extractive industries, agro-processing industries, harbours and ports, financial services, digital startups, and BPOs will operate preferably on a three-shift system 24/7 in an atmosphere of safety and security.”
Mr. Mahama’s 24-hour economy policy has, however, sparked conversations among several Ghanaians.
While others support this policy, some also claim it is not feasible.
Notable among such is the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who questioned Mr. Mahama’s understanding of the policy as he asserted that the policy is already in practice in various sectors of the economy.
Amidst these arguments, ORAG has declared support for Mahama’s policy, as the group claims it will be the solution to its members’ numerous plights.
“We have noticed that the 24-hour economy will be a solution by itself to all the challenges of our entire membership and their family, as well as our customers and dealers of motor vehicles and spare parts dealers.”
The association also asserted that mechanics and vulcanizers have expressed interest in the policy.
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