Former Greater Accra Regional Minister Daniel Nii Kwatei Titus Glover has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress of deceiving young people with its flagship 24-Hour Economy policy, arguing that the low voter turnout in the Ayawaso East by-election reflects growing frustration over unemployment and economic hardship.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme with Moro Awudu, the former Deputy Transport Minister said the policy touted as a solution to youth unemployment is not being implemented in practice, even at the secretariat established to oversee it.
He claimed that staff of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat report to work at 9am and close at 5pm, questioning how a policy designed to run around the clock can be executed nationwide when its own office does not operate beyond regular hours.
“If it is not a deception, what is it?” he asked. “You promised jobs to the youth under a 24-Hour Economy. Where is it. The secretariat itself does not work 24 hours.”
His comments follow the Ayawaso East by-election, which saw former Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, emerge victorious as Member of Parliament elect. While congratulating the winner, Glover described the turnout as unusually low.
Out of more than 40,000 registered voters in the constituency, just over 17,000 cast their ballots. Glover argued that the figures, rather than religious observances or logistical challenges, point to dissatisfaction among young voters.
“We are looking at about 40,000 registered voters and for you to make about 10,000 votes, it speaks volumes,” he said.
“It is not only about Ramadan. If your own supporters are not coming out to vote, it tells you something.”
He attributed the apathy to worsening economic conditions, insisting that many households are struggling with the rising cost of living despite official claims of economic improvement.
“People wake up in the morning and cannot afford even porridge. Electricity bills are a pain. You sit in your room and you do not have anything to eat. Things are tough,” he said.
Glover maintained that the government must prioritise job creation if it hopes to regain the confidence of young people.
He criticised what he described as glossy publicity around the 24-Hour Economy concept, saying attractive advertising campaigns are not a substitute for real employment opportunities.
“If you believe in creating jobs for the youth, it is a good thing. But you cannot sell a beautiful message and fail to deliver,” he added.
The 24-Hour Economy policy has been promoted by the NDC as a strategy to stimulate productivity and expand employment by encouraging businesses and public institutions to operate in shifts around the clock.
However, Glover insists that until tangible jobs are created and economic pressures ease, voter discontent is likely to persist.
Source: metrotvonline.com
