Vice Chair of Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Sanja Nanja, has said that no government can fully implement all its manifesto promises within its first year.

He noted that the ongoing 24-hour economy policy is a major initiative that will take time to come into effect.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, Mr Nanja explained that while some aspects of the 24-hour economy have already begun in government and private institutions, the legal framework is still being finalised.

“The 24-hour economy is a major policy issue, and no government can use one year to achieve all that is in its manifesto,” he stated.

According to Mr Nanja, the 24-hour economy bill is currently before Parliament and has been referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, of which he is a member. The committee is scheduled to begin scrutiny of the bill soon.

“Come Friday, we are going to meet and start perusing the bill. We will examine it thoroughly and report back to Parliament at the preliminary consideration stage. It will then pass through all the stages required of a bill, and I’m very sure it will soon be passed,” he said.

Mr Nanja said the passage of the bill will formalise and enforce initiatives that have already been piloted in certain institutions.

He expressed optimism that by this time next year, the law will be in force and the 24-hour economy will be fully operational.

“Even before the bill is passed, some government and private institutions have started implementing parts of the policy.

"Once the bill comes into force, it will enforce what has already been started, and I know by next year we will see much of the 24-hour economy in action,” he said.

The 24-hour economy is a flagship policy of the current administration aimed at boosting productivity, increasing job opportunities, and maximising the use of Ghana’s infrastructure and services.