Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, has extolled John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour-economy saying it is what Ghana needs to compete the outside world.
According to the President of the Asogli Traditional Area and former President of the National House of Chiefs, running a 24-hour economy will provide the zeal to revive the economy and the youth’s policy.
The policy, if implemented, according to Togbe, will resuscitate Ghana’s ailing economy, boost foreign exchange and create more jobs for the unemployed.
The Agbogbomefia was speaking at the visit of the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, to his palace in Ho as part of his campaign tour to the Volta Region Tuesday, August 14, 2024, when he made the remarks.
“Let me congratulate you, first of all on your 24-hour economy policy. As someone who believes in hard work, I believe this is what we need. It is obvious that the application of this policy in the manufacturing sector can indeed be a game changer”, he said.
He explained that industrial plants are made to run for 24 hours to maximise returns and must be used as such.
The chief cum businessman explained how Ghana can leverage on the policy to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), which seeks to promote intra-trade on the African continent.
“It has been established that we are far behind those countries currently in the pilot phase as far as export to our counterparts are concerned.
“I am aware that Nigeria actually launched an ambitious $50 billion program to expand production and, therefore, export to Africa, taking advantage of AfCFTA.
“So, I think your policy is a sure way of making us ready to also export to other African countries and of course by so doing expand employment. The factory which just runs for 8 hours, one shift, decides to do 3 shifts”, he said.
“I think it is a great policy and it deserves all of our support”, he stated, adding that the initiative will reduce the cost of production and promote competition.
The revered traditional ruler also lauded the NDC flag bearer’s plan to involve the youth in decision-making at all levels of government since the future belongs to the youth.
Togbe Afede also sides with Mr Mahama’s proposal to review the payment of ex-gratia to Article 17 officeholders and congratulates him on his exoneration in the Airbus scandal.
“I want to wish you, on behalf of all of our people, success in all your endeavours as you tour the length and breadth of our region. Thank you very much for coming”, he concluded.
Source:dailygossipsonline.com