NDC struggling to fulfill promises; 24-hour economy now 24-hour demolitions – Bawumia

New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to deliver on key campaign promises, using its flagship 24-Hour Economy policy to question the government’s record on job creation.

Addressing the NPP’s National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on Saturday, October 3, Dr Bawumia said several commitments made by the NDC ahead of the 2024 general election had yet to produce the promised benefits for Ghanaians.

He took particular aim at the 24-Hour Economy initiative, which he said was expected to create employment opportunities for young people through a three-shift work system.

“The NDC promised Ghanaians and the youth of this country in search of jobs, a flagship 24-Hour Economy with one job, three shifts, and three people,” he said.

Turning to the recent demolition of structures at La Beach, Dr Bawumia used the exercise to mock the government’s employment pledge.

“Sadly, the promised 24-hour economy jobs have now turned into 24-Hour demolition of buildings for so called 24-Hour markets,” he added.

He argued that young graduates, artisans and other supporters who backed the NDC on the expectation of more jobs were still waiting for the opportunities they had been promised.

The NPP flagbearer also criticised the government over the demolition exercise at La Beach, saying it had affected traders, artisans and small business owners whose livelihoods were tied to activities in the area.

Beyond employment, Dr Bawumia questioned the government’s progress on its proposed Women’s Development Bank and its pledge to reduce electricity tariffs.

He said the cost of electricity, transport and rent continued to weigh heavily on households and businesses, despite the decline in inflation.

Dr Bawumia acknowledged the need for the NPP to reflect on its own shortcomings while in opposition, saying the party had used the period to listen to Ghanaians and review its performance.

He added that the NPP was working on its governance programme ahead of the 2028 general election.