Former presidential candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, says Ghana’s much-discussed 24-hour economy policy was originally proposed in his 2012 manifesto, insisting the concept could significantly boost productivity if properly implemented.

Speaking on The Pulse on March 6, Dr Ayariga argued that Ghana’s current production levels remain low and require structural reforms to maximise economic output.

“The production level is low. Let’s say we’re going to use eight hours on manufacturing and eight hours on industry, you have this three-cycle system of a 24-hour economy,” he explained.

According to him, the policy remains a practical solution to Ghana’s economic challenges if government institutions and industries operate continuously in shifts.

Dr Ayariga said he is pleased that the concept has gained attraction nationally, even though he believes his contribution has not been acknowledged.

“It’s part of my policy. I invented this policy in 2012. This is my manifesto,” he stated.

Dr Ayariga further urged the government to adopt a more inclusive leadership approach when implementing policies that originate from different political actors.

“If the NDC had invited Hassan Ayariga and said, ‘We’ve seen it in your manifesto, and we have adapted it,’ that would have been fine. It’s good to adapt anybody’s manifesto, but leadership must be inclusive,” he said.

“Until we become economically independent, our independence will not be meaningful,” he added.

He maintained that strategic implementation of the 24-hour economy could strengthen production, improve industrial output, and support Ghana’s long-term economic growth.