Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG), a research and policy think tank on the blue economy has waded into the 24-hoir economy policy proposal, calling it a major booster to the maritime sub-sector when implemented well.
The Ghana-based globally recognised maritime research group touched on the subject at a policy dialogue organised by Upsilon Pi Delta Institute, UPDI, in Accra on the theme, “Unlockng Economic Prosperity through a 24-hour Economy”.
The media space in the last two weeks has been occupied by discussions on the 24-hour economy policy proposal by the flagbearer of the opposition NDC, John Dramani Mahama.
While some people including, organisations such as Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), and Trade Union Congress (TUC) welcome the ideas which according to them is a game changer, others are of the view that the policy already exists and an attempt to make it look as a novelty is misleading.
The 24-hour economy policy, according to the NDC, is a delibrate and conscious policy which seeks to empower and incentivise the private sector by putting the requisite structures in place towards solving unemployment, enhance productivity for self sufficiency. This will in turn reduce the excessive importation which has been the major bane to the stability of the Cedi to its major trading currencies.
The Executive Director of CIMAG, Albert Derrick Fiatu, touching on the subject dusclosed that, three out of five workers of maritime sub-sector in countries like the UK and US are running the 24 hours.
This according to him should not be different in the case of Ghana, particularly the maritime sector since 60 percent of players in the industry are seafarers who are to work 24/7.
Albert Fiatui, cited current operations at the port where MPS does 24 hours yet governmental agencies like FDA, GSA and GPHA close work by 5 pm which makes documentation on cargo clearing in the night impossible.
He believes that the 24-hour economy policy if implemented with the requisite structures in place will eliminate this difficulty and enhance operations at the port.
A senior lecturer at the economic department of the University of Ghana, Professor Festus Ebo Turkson, who was a panelist believes that the policy though cannot be realised overnight, it is feasible with the right leadership and needed infrastructure in place.
This, he noted, is imperative given the fast growing youth population of Africa.
The General Secretary of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), comparing the state of Ghanaian students to their European counterparts is of the firm conviction that the policy if rolled out carefully will afford studentsts the opportunity to work while schooling to cater for their needs and beckons support for it.
By: Justice Ahoto | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
