‘Minority Shivering’: 24-Hour Market System Will Keep NPP in Opposition for Next 30 Years – Adongo

Introduction

In a dramatic parliamentary exchange on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, launched a scathing critique of the Minority’s opposition to the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy initiative. His remarks, delivered during heated legislative proceedings, suggested that the opposition’s resistance stems from a deep-seated fear that this policy will reshape Ghana’s economic landscape for decades to come, potentially keeping the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in opposition for the next 30 years.

Key Points

Background

The 24-Hour Economy initiative was introduced by the government as a transformative policy aimed at boosting productivity across key sectors of Ghana’s economy. Unlike previous flagship programs such as “Ghana Beyond Aid,” “Free Senior High School,” or “One District, One Factory,” which Adongo criticized for lacking proper policy backing, the 24-Hour Economy is presented as a comprehensive, well-structured approach to economic modernization.

The initiative seeks to extend operational hours across agriculture, industry, and services, moving from traditional single-shift operations to round-the-clock productivity. This shift is intended to maximize resource utilization, create jobs, and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the global market.

Analysis

The Minority’s Position

The Minority’s opposition to the 24-Hour Economy initiative appears to be rooted in concerns about implementation challenges, potential disruption to existing business models, and questions about the government’s capacity to manage such a complex transformation. Their “shivering,” as described by Adongo, likely reflects anxiety about being on the wrong side of a potentially popular and effective policy.

Adongo’s Counter-Arguments

Adongo’s defense of the initiative rests on several key points:

1. **Institutional Framework**: Unlike previous programs, the 24-Hour Economy has a dedicated Authority Bill with statutory backing.
2. **Sectoral Integration**: The policy is designed to work across agriculture, industry, and services simultaneously.
3. **Economic Transformation**: Adongo argues that successful implementation will fundamentally reshape Ghana’s economic landscape.

The 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a statutory body that will replace the temporary Secretariat currently managing the initiative. This Authority will serve as a central coordinating hub for:

– Security arrangements for 24-hour operations
– Energy tariff structures for night-time operations
– Tax incentives for businesses participating in the initiative
– Cross-sectoral coordination to ensure seamless implementation

Practical Advice

For businesses and individuals interested in understanding or participating in the 24-Hour Economy initiative:

1. **Stay Informed**: Monitor parliamentary proceedings and government announcements regarding the Authority Bill’s progress.
2. **Sector Assessment**: Evaluate how your sector (agriculture, industry, or services) could benefit from extended operating hours.
3. **Infrastructure Preparation**: Begin assessing your energy, security, and staffing needs for potential 24-hour operations.
4. **Policy Engagement**: Engage with industry associations to provide input on the implementation framework as it develops.

FAQ

Conclusion

The parliamentary exchange between Isaac Adongo and the Minority highlights the high stakes surrounding Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative. Adongo’s forceful defense, coupled with his prediction of long-term political consequences, underscores the government’s commitment to this transformative policy. As the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill moves through the legislative process, all eyes will be on how this initiative unfolds and whether it delivers on its promise of economic transformation. The Minority’s opposition, described as “shivering” by Adongo, may indeed reflect genuine concerns about implementation challenges, or it may represent political positioning ahead of future electoral contests. Regardless, the debate surrounding this initiative is likely to intensify as implementation approaches.