Former President John Dramani Mahama has announced the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) 24-hour economic policy as a strategic initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment in Ghana. During a campaign tour in the Navrongo Central Constituency, as part of his visit to the Upper East Region, Mahama criticized the current administration for economic mismanagement, which he claims has exacerbated youth unemployment.

Mahama, who is the NDC’s 2024 Flagbearer, emphasized that Ghana is facing one of its worst economic crises. He pledged that his administration would focus on stabilizing the economy and continuing the NDC’s legacy of infrastructure development.

The proposed 24-hour economic policy, according to Mahama, will provide incentives for businesses, particularly in the private sector, to extend their working hours. This initiative is expected to create additional employment opportunities. “Aside from building schools, hospitals, roads, and providing water and electricity, our next priority is to provide jobs, jobs, and jobs,” Mahama stated.

He dismissed the notion that the youth need mobile phones provided at low cost, arguing that employment should be the priority. “What our young people need are jobs, not mobile phones for which they pay small amounts over long periods. With jobs, they can afford their own mobile phones,” he said.

Mahama also highlighted the need for additional security personnel, estimating that the country will require an additional 20,000 police officers to support the 24-hour economy. He assured the youth that the recruitment process would be decentralized and fair, creating job opportunities while enhancing security.

In his speech, Mahama urged Ghanaians to reject the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming elections, accusing the current administration of worsening the country’s economic woes through cedi depreciation, rising public debt, and a high cost of living. He warned that a vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s candidate, would be a continuation of President Nana Akufo-Addo‘s policies, which he claims have brought suffering to Ghanaians.

“This election is between the people of Ghana and the NPP, not between the NDC and the NPP. Even their members want the party out of office. Ghana needs to be rescued from a government of family, friends, and corruption,” Mahama concluded.