Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has voiced significant concerns regarding the government’s current strategy for implementing the 24-hour economy, advocating for a shift in focus from the construction of physical infrastructure to the creation of an environment conducive to nighttime economic activity. His critique centers on the potential for public funds to be disproportionately allocated to market development, suggesting that the government’s priorities should be aligned with fostering business and consumer participation beyond the traditional working day. Mr. Amoah asserts that the focus should not be on building new markets but on creating the conditions that encourage economic activity at night, arguing that this approach would yield more sustainable and beneficial outcomes. He contends that government should prioritize establishing an environment that permits businesses to operate without requiring extensive security measures, acknowledging that current anxieties regarding robbery and criminal activity hinder economic participation. Specifically, he calls for increased security presence, particularly at night, and improved street lighting, arguing that the current deployment of law enforcement is insufficient to address the prevalent fears of crime. He believes that a doubling of police presence during the night would significantly enhance safety and encourage greater economic activity, including opportunities for businesses like salons, pharmacies, and shops to benefit from increased market access. Mr. Amoah further proposes incentivizing demand through offerings of lower prices, suggesting that the 24-hour economy should be supported by policies that stimulate economic productivity during the additional 12 hours. He emphasizes that the current emphasis on building physical facilities for markets is a misallocation of resources, arguing that the remaining 12 hours are wasted due to darkness. He urges the government to reconsider its approach, advocating for a shift in strategy that would encourage more Ghanaians to engage in the nighttime economy and deliver tangible economic benefits.
Mr. Amoah stated, ‘The other 12-hour period is wasted because it’s dark,’ highlighting the need for a fundamental re-evaluation of the government’s priorities. He calls for a paradigm shift, advocating for policies that directly support the increased economic activity associated with the night-time economy, rather than solely focusing on constructing new market facilities. The government’s reluctance to fully embrace this change is viewed as a missed opportunity to stimulate economic growth and create a more vibrant economic landscape within Ghana. The current emphasis on market development without considering the practical implications of extending the working day presents a significant risk, according to Mr. Amoah, and he stresses the need for a more balanced and strategic approach to economic policy.
Furthermore, Mr. Amoah noted that the current security measures are inadequate and that increased visibility during the night is crucial for encouraging economic activity. He advocated for a more proactive approach to policing, suggesting that increased police presence, particularly in areas with high crime rates, would create a more secure environment for businesses and individuals to engage in economic activities. The government’s current strategy, he argued, is a failure to capitalize on the potential for increased economic activity by extending the operating hours of businesses.
Mr. Amoah’s perspective underscores the argument that the 24-hour economy should not be solely defined by the construction of new facilities but rather by the policies that support a thriving nighttime economy, acknowledging the critical role of security and improved lighting in fostering this growth. The government’s current approach risks a limited and potentially unsustainable economic model, and Mr. Amoah strongly advocates for a more comprehensive and strategically aligned policy.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
