Deputy National Director of Elections and Information Technology of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sofo Rashid Tanko-Computer, has insisted that government remains committed to implementing the 24-hour economy, stressing that the policy is a gradual process rather than an instant rollout.
According to him, the Mahama-led administration will not renege on its campaign promise and is steadily laying the foundation for the full implementation of the policy through deliberate and structured reforms.
Speaking on TV3 and monitored by NewsDesksGH on January 2, Tanko-Computer said projects introduced by President John Dramani Mahama and his government have been clearly understood by the public, unlike initiatives under the previous administration.
To illustrate his point, he referenced comments made recently by former President John Agyekum Kufuor regarding the controversial National Cathedral project, noting that even the former leader admitted he did not fully understand the purpose.
Tanko-Computer further stated that within the one year the National Democratic Congress has been in office, government has not been reckless, and he does not expect that approach to change.
“We’re going to make sure that projects that are beneficial to the good people of Ghana, we’ll pursue them.”
He mentioned the road network, youth employment initiatives and other development projects as areas government is prioritising.
Responding to calls by the New Patriotic Party for immediate implementation of the 24-hour economy, Tanko-Computer described such expectations as unrealistic.
“They’re talking about the 24 hour economy. It’s a process not an event. That’s one thing NPP I don’t understand them,” he said.
He explained that transforming Ghana’s economic structure from the traditional eight-hour system to a 24-hour economy cannot be achieved overnight.
“Changing the whole Ghana economic structure from the 8-hour economy that we run to 24-hour economy, it’s not a one day thing. It’s a process,” he added.
Tanko-Computer further pointed out that some state institutions have already begun operating extended hours.
“Some agencies have started. DVLA, Ghana ports. Go to Ghana harbour and see, they’re doing 24 hours there. People are now clearing their goods in the night. That’s why you go there, there’s no more traffic in that area.”
He maintained that the rollout will expand progressively across government agencies over the coming years.
“It’s a process, by the time we get to our third year in office a lot of agencies would’ve been running 24 hour economy.”
Reiterating government’s commitment, Tanko-Computer highlighted that funding has already been allocated toward the initiative.
“We’re not going to renege on that promise. We’re implementing it. If you look at the budget as read last November, an allocation was made for that.”
