Dr. Frank Bannor, Development Economist and Head of Research at Danquah Institute
Dr. Frank Bannor, a Development Economist, Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and Head of Research at the Danquah Institute, has reminded the President-elect John Dramani Mahama to fulfill the promises made to the Ghanaian people during his campaign.
In a Facebook post that captures the growing anticipation among Ghanaians, Dr. Bannor specifically called on Mr. Mahama to implement the 24-hour economy initiative, a flagship promise aimed at creating shifts in the public sector and expanding employment opportunities for the youth. “Dear Mr. President-elect John Dramani Mahama! You promised the youth of this country a 24-hour economy in which public servants will run three shifts. Per this promise, you are expected to increase public sector employment and wages,” Dr. Bannor wrote in his Facebook page.
Dr. Bannor, who hails from Obuasi East, emphasised the expectations of youth in his constituency and across the nation. He revealed that many young men and women in Obuasi East are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to take up jobs in public offices. “The young men and women in my village, Obuasi East, expect to start working as soon as possible in the nearest public office,” he added.
The 24-hour economy proposal was one of the cornerstones of Mr. Mahama’s campaign, signaling an ambitious restructuring of Ghana’s public sector to run uninterrupted shifts. The initiative promises increased government employment, higher productivity, and improved access to public services. Dr. Bannor noted that this promise resonated with many voters, particularly the youth, who overwhelmingly supported Mr. Mahama in the recently concluded election.
Additionally, Dr. Bannor reminded the president-elect about another pivotal campaign promise – extending the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy to include private schools. He argued that this extension was a decisive factor in the electorate’s support for Mr. Mahama. “Sir, this, amongst the extension of FSHS to private schools, is the reason why Ghanaians voted for you,” Dr. Bannor pointed out.
Dr. Bannor further stressed the importance of honoring these commitments, cautioning against offering any “subtle excuses” that may undermine public trust. “Kindly deliver your promises and spare us any subtle excuses,” he urged.
Mahama’s comments
Dr. Bannor’s call comes after Mahama in interview with VOA on Saturday, December 14, said “We think that Ghanaians are not all consigned to become employees. If you look at the government sector, the government sector employs less than a million people out of a population of 33 million. And so it’s not a viable sector where all the teeming youth can get a job”.
“The best place to get a job would be for the private sector to grow. And in the past, we’ve done paid lip service to the private sector. It is time to take the private sector seriously, both in terms of expanding their capacity to employ, but at the same time creating opportunities for young people to create their own jobs,” Mahama stated.
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