The NPP has hit back hard at John Dramani Mahama’s ambitious 24-hour economy plan, branding it as a pure fantasy that simply can’t be done. Leading the charge is Dr Yaw Matthew Opoku Prempeh, running mate to Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, who has rubbished the idea, declaring it’s “not doable.”
Mahama, in his bid for a comeback, pitched the bold proposal during talks with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), as part of his ‘Building the Ghana We Want’ agenda. The former president unveiled a plan that would see a 24-hour working economy, with three shifts of 8 hours each – all in a bid to create more jobs and boost productivity.
But it seems the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) isn’t buying it. Party insiders are reportedly unsettled by the promise, with top communicators scrambling to throw shade on the plan. Dr. Bawumia himself was quick to pour cold water on the proposal, arguing that 24-hour systems already exist in places like police stations, hospitals, and even local ‘chop bars’. He said Mahama was rehashing old ideas as if they were groundbreaking.
The gloves came off again in Ablekuma South when Dr. Prempeh addressed a durbar and joined the growing chorus of NPP voices mocking Mahama’s plan. “A 24-hour economy is not possible. No country in the world operates as a 24-hour society. Even God, the creator of the Heavens, sleeps at night!” Dr Prempeh quipped as the crowd roared with laughter.
The NPP has not held back in their criticism, with many questioning how the opposition could implement such a grand idea without any concrete explanation of how it would work. The government’s camp has since been rallying to discredit the concept, labeling it as nothing more than a populist gimmick designed to lure in voters without any real substance.
NPP insiders are reportedly relieved that party communicators are turning up the heat on the NDC’s promises. “They’ve thrown everything at this idea, but it’s just not sticking,” said a party official, confident that Mahama’s bold idea will collapse under the weight of scrutiny.
The NDC, meanwhile, has remained relatively focused on their campaign and quiet on the barrage of attacks, while pushing the 24-hour economy idea. But with the NPP’s top brass going all out to tear down the dream, Mahama could have a hard time convincing Ghanaians that his 24-hour economy is anything more than wishful thinking.
Will this promise come back to haunt the former president, or will he pull off the unthinkable? The December elections are shaping up to be a battle of big ideas, but the NPP is determined to make sure Mahama’s 24-hour fantasy never sees the light of day!
Source:thehawknewspaper.com