The Paramount Chief of the Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Council, Ehunabobrim Nana Pra Agyensaim VI, has called on Ghanaians to rally behind the government’s 24-hour economy policy, urging citizens to support the initiative with the same passion they show for the Black Stars.
According to the chief, although the policy has attracted criticism, Ghanaians should give it the opportunity to succeed instead of dismissing it before it is fully implemented.
Speaking during President John Dramani Mahama’s #Resetting Tour to the Central Region, Ehunabobrim Nana Pra Agyensaim VI said many people still do not fully understand the concept of the 24-hour economy but stressed that every major policy is often met with skepticism in its early stages.
“It seems that many people still do not understand what the 24-hour economy is about. But in this world, whenever you plan to do something, people will always talk about it. Mr. President, if you keep listening to what people say, you will never be able to implement your plans,” he said.
The chief expressed confidence in President Mahama’s ability to deliver the policy, noting that similar economic models have been successfully implemented in countries such as China, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“The 24-hour economy that President Mahama has introduced is not something impossible. Many countries have successfully implemented similar systems, so the President knows what he is talking about because he has seen these models work elsewhere,” he stated.
He compared the policy to previous government initiatives that initially faced public criticism but later gained acceptance, saying the 24-hour economy also deserves national backing.
“The 24-hour economy is a good policy. Let us support it the same way we support the Black Stars. Just as Ghanaians unite behind the national team, let us also unite behind the President and support the implementation of the 24-hour economy,” he appealed.
Ehunabobrim Nana Pra Agyensaim VI said the successful implementation of the policy could create thousands of jobs but cautioned that government must provide the necessary infrastructure to make it work.
“If it succeeds, it will create many jobs. However, it is not an easy task. The government must ensure there is reliable electricity at affordable prices for industries and factories, as well as good roads to support economic activities,” he said.
He urged Ghanaians to play their part in supporting the policy, saying national development requires the collective effort of both government and citizens.
“The government is playing its part. Let us also support the President so that he can successfully implement the 24-hour economy,” he added.
Source: Mubarak Yakubu
