Asamoah Gyan questions NDC’s 24-hour economy promise, says it already exists

Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has raised doubts about the originality of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s flagship campaign promise to implement a 24-hour economy. Gyan asserted that elements of such a system already exist in certain sectors of the country.

Speaking during an Instagram Live session on Thursday, Gyan pointed to institutions such as police stations, hospitals, and filling stations as examples of areas already operating on a round-the-clock basis.

“It already exists. Police stations, hospitals, and filling stations already operate on a 24-hour basis,” Gyan remarked. “If the government says ‘24-hour economy,’ they should focus on improving it. It’s not a new policy.”

The 24-hour economy initiative was a cornerstone of the NDC’s 2024 campaign. Mr. John Dramani Mahama, now President-elect, secured 56.5 percent of the vote, defeating Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia by over 1.5 million votes in the election.

Gyan’s exit from politics

Gyan, who once had a brief foray into politics, served as the chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Youth and Sports sub-committee for its 2024 manifesto. Earlier in the year, he even expressed interest in being considered as Dr Bawumia’s running mate.

However, in September 2024, Gyan announced his withdrawal from partisan politics, choosing instead to focus on philanthropic efforts and youth development.

“My primary focus is now on humanitarian work and uplifting the youth of Ghana,” he said in a public statement.

Despite stepping away from politics, Gyan praised the personalities of both Vice President Bawumia and President-elect Mahama, underscoring his respect for their leadership qualities.

Mahama’s Vision for a 24-Hour Economy

In an interview with BBC Africa ahead of the elections, President-elect Mahama outlined his vision for the 24-hour economy, describing it as a phased initiative aimed at boosting Ghana’s economic recovery.

“We will start at least,” Mahama said when asked if the policy could be fully implemented within his four-year term. He stressed that the initiative would not be an overnight transformation but rather a gradual process aligned with stabilising the macroeconomic environment.

“You can’t put a cost on it immediately. The 24-hour economy is not an event; it is a process. And so even while we are stabilising the macroeconomic environment and bringing inflation and interest rates down, we will be implementing the 24-hour economy,” he explained.

Mahama also highlighted the potential for job creation through the initiative, noting that businesses operating in extended shifts would require additional staff. “If you incentivise businesses to run for 8 hours, they can’t run with the same number of people; they will have to employ more people,” he stated.

The 24-hour economy, coupled with trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Ecowas Trade Liberalisation Scheme, forms a central part of the NDC’s strategy to revitalise Ghana’s economy.

Gyan’s Legacy

Asamoah Gyan, widely regarded as a national icon, remains Ghana’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals in 109 appearances for the Black Stars. His comments have reignited discussions about the practicality and novelty of the NDC’s 24-hour economy initiative as the country anticipates Mahama’s presidency.