Former Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam has launched a sharp critique of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, describing it as ineffective and unsustainable without strong private-sector participation and adequate financial support.
According to Dr Amin Adam, the current implementation strategy places excessive pressure on public institutions while failing to provide the incentives needed for businesses to drive the policy successfully.
“The 24-hour economy remains a slogan,” he stated, arguing that government agencies are being compelled to operate around the clock without corresponding increases in staffing or resources.
Public Sector Model “Fundamentally Flawed”
Dr Amin Adam warned that any attempt to expand the policy through the public sector alone could worsen Ghana’s fiscal challenges.
He explained that compensation for public sector workers already accounts for a substantial share of government expenditure, making large-scale recruitment financially impractical.
“The wage bill is 30 per cent of the budget, and 33 per cent in 2025. Doubling the wage bill will bankrupt the country,” he argued.
According to the former minister, expecting the government to create large numbers of jobs through direct public sector expansion is unrealistic under current economic conditions.
He maintained that the policy can only survive if it is led primarily by the private sector through investment, innovation and productivity improvements.
Concerns Over Delayed Incentives
Dr Amin Adam also criticised government for failing to implement incentive packages promised to businesses under the 2026 Budget.
He claimed that nearly halfway through the fiscal year, the private sector had yet to receive the necessary support mechanisms intended to encourage participation in the 24-hour economy initiative.
He further alleged that the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat itself has become inactive because funds allocated for its operations have not been released.
“The 24H Economy Secretariat is in coma as government has not been releasing funds from the GH¢110 million allocated to it this year,” he stated.
The comments add to growing public debate over the viability and long-term sustainability of the government’s flagship economic policy.
Bawumia’s Digitalisation Agenda Highlighted
The former finance minister contrasted the current strategy with the digitalisation agenda pursued under former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia during the previous administration.
He argued that the previous government focused on improving efficiency in public service delivery through technology rather than extending working hours across institutions.
Dr Amin Adam pointed to several initiatives introduced under the digitalisation programme, including online passport applications, paperless port operations, digitised driver licensing services, electronic pharmacy systems and the integration of national databases.
He said those reforms improved productivity, reduced delays and created a more business-friendly environment without placing excessive strain on the public payroll.
“A Bawumia government will continue with the digitalisation of public institutions and services to ensure the public’s ease of access to government services at all times.” - Dr Amin Adam
Debate Over Economic Transformation
The criticism comes as the government continues to defend the 24-hour economy policy as a major strategy for job creation, industrial growth and productivity expansion.
Supporters of the policy argue that extending operational hours across sectors could increase economic output and create new business opportunities.
However, critics insist that without clear financing structures, energy reliability, labour protections and meaningful private-sector incentives, implementation risks becoming unsustainable.
Dr Amin Adam’s remarks are likely to intensify political and economic debate over how Ghana should pursue productivity growth and economic transformation in the years ahead.
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