Afenyo-Markin backs 24-hour economy policy 

The Minority Leader says the initiatives could create jobs and transform the economy if rolled out well.

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed support for the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Big Push policies, describing them as initiatives that could drive job creation and economic transformation if implemented carefully.

Speaking at the launch of the Young Commons Forum at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the Efutu lawmaker acknowledged the government’s decision to discontinue the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme and introduce the new policies. He said the 1D1F initiative had contributed significantly to industrial growth before its cancellation.

“The One District, One Factory initiative seeded factories across the country. By mid-2024, 321 factories had been supported in 142 districts, creating about 170,000 jobs for Ghanaians, many of them young people. These are real jobs in manufacturing and agribusiness,” he explained.

Despite expressing regret over the end of 1D1F, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said he remained optimistic about the new initiatives. “The government has decided to cancel the 1D1F programme and replace it with an untested 24-Hour Economy. But I am optimistic that, with time, the government will be able to realise its vision under this policy to create jobs for the people. We await them, because if it works, it works for the people,” he stated.

He stressed that supporting good policies should not be reduced to partisan politics. “The fact that I am in opposition does not mean I should oppose it. I have seen the policy document, and I pray the government will be able to roll it out for the benefit of the private sector to create more jobs,” he noted.

Turning to the youth gathered at the forum, the Minority Leader urged them to monitor government initiatives like the 24-Hour Economy and Big Push policies and hold leaders accountable. “Do not allow political leaders to make promises without delivering results. Whether it is the 24-Hour Economy, the Big Push, or any other initiative, follow up and insist on transparency,” he advised.

He further challenged young people to embrace innovation and responsibility in their communities. “You are the torchbearers of this nation. Leadership is not about titles; it is about action and impact,” he told the participants.

The event, themed “Empowering the Next Generation for Leadership and Nation-Building,” ended with a rallying call from Mr. Afenyo-Markin, who quoted Nelson Mandela: “Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. This is your time to respond with greatness.”