Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has cast serious doubt on the feasibility and economic prudence of the opposition National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) flagship 24-hour economy proposal, describing it as unrealistic and economically unsound.
In a social media post, Bentil stated plainly, “I wish it could work, but I know it won’t!”, noting that while the idea sounds attractive in theory, the economic fundamentals and practical realities on the ground make it unworkable.
He quoted remarks attributed to Mr. Tanoh, a key figure in Ghana’s industrial sector, emphasizing critical preconditions needed for the success of a 24-hour economy. These include:
1. Capacity utilisation to support a three-shift economy,
2. Qualitative products accepted and wanted by the market,
3. Price competitiveness, and
4. High output growth that enhances competitiveness and export potential
Bentil posed sharp rhetorical questions in response:
“Do we? Do we? Are we? Can we?”—expressing doubt that Ghana currently meets these conditions.
He further raised alarm over the reported cost of implementing the policy—an estimated $6 billion, which translates to approximately $1.7 billion per year for the remaining three and a half years of John Mahama’s potential presidency.
“Even if we have that money, would this be its best use?” he asked, questioning the wisdom of borrowing to finance what he described as a “half-blown balloon” that won’t rise at all.
The IMANI Africa executive demanded clarity on concrete deliverables from the massive proposed expenditure, warning that without clear returns on investment, the project could end in waste and future corruption probes.
“In the end, will we have probes to find where the money was wasted and who stole what, or will we see the clear benefits of the huge open-ended expenditure?” he queried.
While he acknowledged that he is not in government, Bentil concluded his post with a word of caution and hope:
“I wish us all well because we rise or fall together, but I sincerely won’t do this if it were me. Of course, it is not me at Jubilee, so I can only pray. Keep this post safe somewhere, we will read it again in about 4 years!”
