The 2020 National Democratic Congress (NDC) running mate, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has challenged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to propose their own policies instead of criticising the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy.

She stated that the NDC's policies are not just slogans but carefully considered plans to improve the lives of Ghanaians.

This comes after the NPP stated that the 24-hour economy is already being implemented by some institutions.

Speaking at the University of Cape Coast, the NDC 2020 running mate stated that just like the 24-hour policy was criticised, the four-month maternity leave policy also sparked a lot of debate and criticism.

 “I said yes, it’s because you’ve never been pregnant before. You don’t know. You have no idea. Do you know why sometimes the woman stays at work until the day of delivery? She doesn’t go on leave, she doesn’t rest. By the time she goes to the labour ward what energy does she have?” she said on March 7, 2024.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang attributed some maternal deaths to the fatigue and exhaustion caused by working during pregnancy.

She stated that the 24-hour policy would mean that hospitals would have staff available around the clock, just like during the day which will save lives.

“Have you taken somebody to an emergency department at night and been told that the doctor will come in the morning? During those hours, do you know what can happen to somebody?” she quizzed.

 “It’s not about one district, one factory and all those things. No, as for us, we do not do that.”

According to Prof Opoku-Agyemang, the 24-hour economy policy would reduce the long working hours for employees.

“So these are some of the progressive proposals that we are bringing to target all of us,” she said.