By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has praised NDC flagbearer John Mahama for his proposed 24-hour economy policy and his commitment to revitalizing Ghana’s economy and youth programs.
Togbe Afede lauded the 24-hour economy policy as a potential solution to Ghana’s economic challenges.
He highlighted that this policy could help recover the economy, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange through increased exports, especially in the manufacturing sector.
“Let me congratulate you, first of all on your 24-hour economy policy. As someone who believes in hard work, I believe this is what we need and it is obvious that the application of this policy in the manufacturing sector can indeed be a game changer.
When you buy plants and equipment it’s for you 24-hours a day, if you choose to use it only for 8-hours there is little chance that you will do well because the manufacturers of those machines have made them to be operated for 24-hours and that determines the price at which they are sold at,” he said.
Togbe Afede, was speaking when Mr. Mahama and his team paid a courtesy call on him in Ho. He emphasized that machinery in manufacturing is designed to operate continuously to maximize profits and should be utilized as such.
He believes the 24-hour economy policy would enhance Ghana’s production capacity, allowing the country to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving intra-African trade.
He pointed out that Ghana is currently lagging behind in exports compared to countries already benefiting from AfCFTA, citing Nigeria’s ambitious $50 billion program to boost production and exports.
Togbe Afede expressed confidence that adopting a 24-hour economy could similarly prepare Ghana to expand its exports, reduce production costs, and foster competition.
Additionally, Togbe Afede supported Mahama’s plan to involve the youth in governance, recognizing that the future belongs to them. He also backed Mahama’s proposal to review ex-gratia payments for Article 17 officeholders and congratulated him on his exoneration in the Airbus scandal.