Parliamentary proceedings took a fiery turn on resumption as the Majority and Minority caucuses clashed over the status and impact of the government’s signature 24-Hour Economy initiative.
Mounting a sharp defense on the floor of the House, Majority Leader Hon. James Agalga dismissed accusations that the program remains a mere political promise, insisting that hundreds of commercial businesses have already transitioned to round-the-clock operations across the nation.
The Builsa North lawmaker delivered the rebuttal during his opening address to welcome Members of Parliament back to the chamber.
His remarks came in direct response to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had earlier launched a blistering attack on the flagship initiative, labeling it a “hopeless slogan” that has failed to yield tangible employment nearly two years into the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
Rejecting the Minority’s assessment, Hon. Agalga presented fresh operational figures to back the government’s stance, pointing to widespread private sector uptake as clear proof of momentum.
“We speak some 268 filling stations and 33 manufacturers, 33 manufacturers are already operating the intended 1-3-3 shift system with project commitments of 5.5 billion US dollars within an 11.5 billion US dollar pipeline,” he stated.
Addressing the Minority leadership directly, the Majority Leader maintained that the policy is actively stimulating key commercial sectors, driving capital injection, and laying down sustainable employment structures.
“So if you are looking for evidence of the take off of the 24-hour economy, I have provided you with same,” the Majority Leader stressed.
Hon. Agalga further informed the House that the government is preparing to roll out a full structural framework for the program during the upcoming financial presentation. He disclosed that the upcoming 2027 Budget will serve as the complete blueprint for the expanded economy, setting out detailed strategy lines for fiscal discipline, infrastructure build-out, and accelerated job creation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana