Joyce Bawah Mogtari writes: What Will Be The Implementation Approach Of The 24-Hour Economy Policy?

The next NDC/Mahama government will publish the strategic blueprint for the implementation of the 24-hour economy policy upon assuming office.

• Businesses and companies that wish to take advantage of the incentive packages under the policy will be required to voluntarily sign onto the 24-hour economy policy.
• Companies that are already running 24/7 will automatically be captured under the policy and provided with the necessary incentives.
• A new Employment Act, which will among other things, set out the regulatory framework for the 24-hour economy, will be passed in consultation with organized Labour, AGI and other relevant stakeholders. The Act will complement the existing Labour Act.

WHAT WILL THE NEXT NDC/MAHAMA GOVERNMENT DO TO ENHANCE EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE ALREADY EXISTING 8-HOUR WORK SYSTEM IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS?

We shall consciously promote discipline and efficiency in the already existing 8-hour work schedule in public institutions and in new additional work shifts by introducing appropriate measures to root out practices that militate against efficiency and productivity in the public sector.

ARE THERE ANY COUNTRIES OR CITIES CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTING A 24-HOUR ECONOMY POLICY OR STRATEGY?

Yes. All the major and most prosperous economies in the world operate various degrees of 24-hour economies. They include the United States, where nearly 30% of the labour force work at night; the United Kingdom (19%); Germany (12%) and France (7%). In Africa, Kenya is contemplating a 24-hour economy. The city of Sydney, the capital of New South Wales in Australia is currently implementing a 24-hour economy policy strategy, just to mention a few.

Our 24-hour economy policy will be tailored and implemented to suit Ghana’s economic context.