Patrick Boamah takes on government over 24-hour economy programme

The Okaikwei Central MP is demanding answers from the Mahama administration over its job-creation promises, raising questions about whether the flagship initiative is delivering the opportunities promised to Ghanaians.

New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has criticised the government over the implementation of its 24-hour economy programme, questioning whether the initiative is translating into the employment opportunities promised to Ghanaians.

Mr Boamah has repeatedly challenged the government to provide evidence of progress on its job-creation commitments, particularly its promise to create 800,000 jobs.

During parliamentary debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in July, he questioned why the government had not provided an update on the promised jobs despite reporting improved revenue mobilisation.

He argued that increased government revenue should translate into better living conditions, timely payment of public sector workers and more employment opportunities.

Questions over programme implementation

The 24-hour economy is one of the flagship initiatives of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, intended to expand economic activity, encourage businesses to operate multiple shifts and create employment.

However, the programme has faced questions from opposition politicians and policy analysts over its implementation and measurable results.

NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has also questioned the initiative, arguing that Ghanaians were yet to see the expected employment benefits nearly two years into the NDC administration.

Government defends the initiative

The government has rejected suggestions that the programme is failing.

In October, Chief Programme Officer of the 24-hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, Abdul-Nasser Suglo Alidu, said aspects of the initiative were already being implemented.

He disclosed that about 268 filling stations were participating in a pilot programme in the downstream petroleum sector, while 33 companies affiliated with the Association of Ghana Industries had confirmed operating multiple shifts.

He also argued that the programme should not be judged solely by whether businesses operate around the clock, but by its broader ambition to transform Ghana’s productive capacity.

Calls for transparency over jobs and funding

The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy has separately demanded verifiable employment figures and a comprehensive account of the programme’s financing and implementation.

The institute has questioned the difference between the GH¢90 million allocation in the detailed 2026 Budget expenditure tables and the GH¢110 million figure stated in the Budget Speech.

It wants government to disclose funds released and spent, projects completed and jobs actually created, distinguishing confirmed employment from projected opportunities.

The debate over the 24-hour economy therefore continues to centre on how government will demonstrate measurable outcomes, account for public resources and show that the initiative is delivering the employment opportunities it was designed to create.