Government spokesperson Raymond Tamekloe has rejected calls to rush the implementation of the 24-hour economy policy, insisting that the initiative must be rolled out gradually and in a measured manner to achieve its intended objectives.
He explained the policy is broad and far-reaching, making careful implementationl necessary to ensure that its core purpose is not defeated.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Raymond Tamekloe said the government would not be deterred by political pressure from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its associates.
“The NPP and its associates and apparatchiks can choose to do the politics. They can try to direct political fortunes from our governors however we would not be deterred by that. Or we would not be pushed to implement policies in a rash manner that has no goal to achieve the core aim and purposes for which we are implementing those policies in the first place.”
He said the government’s approach is informed by the need to ensure that the 24-hour economy delivers on its broader objectives rather than simply being implemented for political expediency.
Mr Tamekloe cited concerns surrounding the implementation of the Free SHS policy, saying its alleged rushed implementation has been blamed for affecting the broader purpose of the initiative.
“An agency this week, has come to lambast the implementation of the free SHS. Again, he says that it is a good policy, essentially, said its implementation was rash. For this reason, it has affected the entire purpose.”
According to him, the government does not want to repeat what he described as a rushed approach when implementing the 24-hour economy.
He explained that the policy is not merely about employing people to work around the clock but is also intended to drive productivity and production while reducing Ghana’s dependence on imports.
“It is not merely about employing people to work around a 24-hour clock. It is also about driving productivity and production. It is also about substituting our import-dependent economy.”
Mr Tamekloe said achieving these objectives requires the government to take its time and implement the policy properly.
“And in so doing , you have to take your time, you have to be measured, and do it in a proper manner that we achieve all three goals at the same time.”
He further said the government has a four-year mandate and questioned concerns about the pace of implementation when the administration is barely two years into its term.
He added that the 24-hour economy policy is one of the government’s promises to the Ghanaian people and said the 24-hour economy Secretariat is working to ensure its full implementation.
“The ultimate objective is to create jobs, increase productivity and move Ghana from an import-dependent economy towards one that produces and exports, generating more foreign exchange and strengthening the cedi” he said
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayeson
