Incoming govt urged to appoint minister of 24

Retired Specialist Forensic Psychiatrist, Mr John Kuku Dsane, has appealed to the incoming National Democratic Con­gress (NDC) government to appoint a minister or head of agency in charge of the 24-Hour Economy to ensure its successful implementation.

He said this would ensure a strengthened and close collabo­ration with countries that were already operating the policy.

Mr Dsane in an inter­view with the Ghana News Agency in Accra, expressed gratitude to the Presi­dent-elect, Mr John Drama­ni Mahama, for conceiving the 24-Hour Economy.

The specialist recalled that countries such as Unit­ed States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, China, Japan, Korea, Bangladesh, India, Taiwan, Indonesia, have become successful be­cause they applied scientific methodology in the imple­mentation of the 24-Hour economy.

He said any designated official should be tasked to identify detailed research on areas, including factors that necessitated and pro­pelled the UK’s Industrial Revolution, in the 17 and 18 centuries and the Chinese Industrial Revolution.

Mr Dsane also suggested a study of Dr Kwame Nkru­mah Seven-Year Develop­ment Plan for Ghana and the National Development Planning Commission docu­mentation, to guide the 24-Hour Economy policy.

He urged the authorities to obtain data from Association of Ghana Industries, Ministry of Finance budget estimates, Ghana Statistical Service, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Transport, Communication, and information from the internet Artificial Intel­ligence (AI) in implementing the 24-Hour Economy.

“Although, the challenges in the implementation of the 24-hour economy include low productiv­ity, unemployment, poverty and hunger, these challenges will be mitigated by increased produc­tivity, job creation, as a result of the three shifts rotational system and lead to increased consumer spending and economic growth,” Mr Dsane stated.

He said “other benefits would be potential impact on work life, balance and family time for em­ployees, particular focus, attention should be placed on agriculture, manufacturing industry, transport services and tourism sectors of the economy”.

Mr Dsane called for close collaboration, cooperation and coordination among stakeholders and development partners, includ­ing the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Chinese Govern­ment, European Union, and Trade Unions.

He said there was the need for technical support from the World Bank to evaluate the policy, public education at the district, regional and national levels, improvement in road and rail infrastructure, establishment of industrial hubs or free zone enclaves and constant supply of water and electricity, to facilitate the 24-Hour economy.

He appealed to the media to hype the 24-Hour economy as a better alternative to creating jobs and advancing the progress of humanity. –GNA

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