To the bewilderment of many Ghanaians, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has finally unveiled the cornerstone of its much-hyped 24-hour Economy campaign: discotheques and nightclubs operating around the clock. Boozing and dancing 24/7 are apparently the NDC’s grand vision for economic transformation and resuscitation.
For months, the NDC has been touting the 24-hour Economy as its major campaign message, promising a revolutionary alternative to Dr. Bawumia’s digitalization agenda.
Many Ghanaians were eager to hear the motivations and specific strategies behind this policy.
At the opportune time, it seemed all the NDC had to offer was an invitation to party non-stop. Instead of the economic game-changer people were anticipating, Ghanaians got a pitch for 24-hour discos and round-the-clock nightclubs.
The NDC’s manifesto launch, held on Saturday, 24th August 2024, at the University of Education, Winneba Campus, was expected to shed light on how this 24-hour Economy would be implemented.
Instead, it became a lightning rod for criticism and mockery across social media.
Former President John Mahama, in his attempt to sell this vision, suggested that these entertainment venues would be the backbone of the economy, operating even during the day, seven days a week.
Disappointed Ghanaians quickly took to social media to express their frustration. Many could not fathom how discotheques and nightclubs could serve as the foundation for economic transformation. “Discotheques and nightclubs cannot be the bedrock of any significant economic agenda,” one social media user pointed out on X (formerly Twitter). The idea that hotels would also operate 24/7 added fuel to the fire, with many questioning whether former President Mahama was truly in touch with the realities of ordinary Ghanaians.
“I was sold on the 24-hour Economy campaign, but this explanation makes it sound like a hoax,” tweeted one X user. On TikTok, another critic didn’t hold back: “NDC leaders should be embarrassed for deceiving us with this farce.” A Facebook user sarcastically summed it up, “Boozing and dancing 24 hrs? Gracious me!”
These reactions underscore the deep skepticism surrounding the NDC’s 24-hour Economy proposal, especially the baffling emphasis on nightlife as a catalyst for economic growth.
As some have pointed out, this approach could lead to more than just economic challenges—think liver and kidney diseases from all that “economic activity.” Oddly, the NDC seems to have overlooked that minor detail.
A true 24-hour Economy should be driven by digitalization and enhanced security—something the NPP is already pursuing under Dr. Bawumia’s office. Unless the NDC comes up with a more compelling explanation, Ghanaians are likely to dismiss this policy as nothing more than an ill-conceived gimmick. Besides, in a country as religious as Ghana, promoting endless parties as economic salvation seems wildly out of touch.