Bawumia: NDC's 24-Hour Economy Is a 'Demolition' of Jobs and Trust
Two years into the NDC government, the promised 24-hour economy has not delivered the jobs it pledged. Speaking at the NPP's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia delivered a blunt verdict: the flagship policy has become a '24-hour demolition exercise' for businesses and young Ghanaians alike.
The NDC's central campaign promise was simple: one job, three shifts, three people (the 1-3-3 model). Nearly two years on, Dr. Bawumia says the jobs have not materialized. 'The young graduate and artisan who voted for the NDC because of this sweet promise is still waiting for his or her shift,' he told delegates.
What has happened to the 24-hour economy jobs?
Instead of creating jobs, Dr. Bawumia argued the policy has manifested as the demolition of buildings for a so-called 24-hour market. He described this as a promise even the NDC cannot explain.
Beyond jobs, he listed several unmet pledges, including the Women's Development Bank. The bank, meant to empower market women, has not opened its doors to a single borrower, he claimed.
Are electricity tariffs and living costs improving?
Dr. Bawumia said the opposite is true. He accused the government of dramatically increasing electricity tariffs, crippling households and small businesses. 'The barber shop owner, the hair salon operator, the bread baker are now striving to survive because much of their sales are going into electricity bills,' he noted.
While inflation has fallen to 5% on paper, he argued the real cost of living has risen sharply due to higher transport, spare parts, fuel, and rent costs.
Is the cedi's stability thanks to an NPP policy?
Dr. Bawumia credited the relative stability of the cedi to the NPP's Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, launched in June 2021 on his recommendation. He said the programme saved the economy from crisis and remains the major support behind the cedi's strength. He pointed out that key government officials once opposed the policy, calling it infeasible.
However, he warned that 'a good tool in careless hands becomes an expensive one,' alleging the current government is making unprecedented losses on the programme.
What about health, education, and agriculture?
Dr. Bawumia accused the NDC of abandoning NPP legacies. He cited the Agenda 111 hospitals, which he said would have provided healthcare access and jobs if completed. On education, he said Free SHS has deteriorated under the NDC, with meal quality declining and BECE graduates being cut off from the programme.
He also attacked the government's record on illegal mining. 'They told Ghanaians they had the magic to end galamsey instantly. Today, under their watch, galamsey has grown embarrassingly worse,' he said.
On cocoa, he called the promise of a GHC 6,500 price 'a scam,' alongside pledges on automatic postings for teachers and nurses and the Nkoko nkitikiti programme.
What does this mean for Ghana's economic future?
Dr. Bawumia framed the NDC's record as a cautionary tale about overpromising and underdelivering. For businesses and investors, his message was clear: the current path is unsustainable, and the NPP's market-friendly policies remain the viable alternative for growth and stability.
As Ghana heads toward the 2028 elections, the debate over economic management is set to intensify. The NPP is betting that the gap between promises and delivery will define the next campaign.