Effective leadership is critical for successful implementation of Mahama’s 24-Hour Economic Policy

In today’s challenging global economy, leadership and strategic direction are essential for fulfilling political promises to citizens. This paper examines the National Democratic Congress (NDC) policies and recommends   strategic measures for achieving success, with a focus on the social contract with the people of Ghana and the idea of a 24-hour economy.

It highlights the need for cooperation among sectors such as transport, healthcare, education, security, energy, industry, and infrastructure to make this vision a reality.

Introduction

Political governance in this rapidly changing business environment requires effective leadership and competitive strategy to tackle complex economic, social and political challenges.

According to the PMI PMBOK Guide®, leadership involves guiding and inspiring individuals and groups to navigate obstacles in executing strategic initiatives.

In Ghana, the government’s role as a project leader is crucial, especially at these challenging economic times. Under the leadership of President Mahama, the NDC aimed to create a solid framework for carrying out projects linked to its social contract with the people including the implementation of a 24-hour economy for socio-economic development.

A policy aimed to reduce unemployment and improve the living conditions for the Ghanaian people through job creation.

Leadership and the 24-Hour Economy Vision

To achieve project success, strong leadership is key to achieving goals related to scope, time, cost, and overall effectiveness in various sectors. Various sectors leaders must take ownership of the vision and drive it.

While we expect President Mahama to use his transformational effective leadership skills to advance the idea of a 24-hour economy, which aims to enhance economic growth by optimizing productivity throughout the day, the vision equally needs teamwork among sectors and sector leaders not limited to transportation, security, energy, commerce, services, and public safety to ensure a supportive and conducive environment for a productive economic activities.

This can be achieved through an inter-organisational strategy.

The 2025 Budget by the NDC government did not only epitomises government commitment towards achieving policy targets and giving hope to the Ghanaian people but also created a platform for economic reform and revitalisation of micro enterprises and innovation..

The national Coders programme, Agriculture, Agribusiness and Women Development Bank if well managed can create a new economic frontiers for the teeming youth and industrious women of our society. Important issues such as healthcare access, roads, education, tools and infrastructure development are all very vital for realizing a vibrant e 24-hour economy.

By setting clear goals that align with this vision, the Mahama administration seeks to promote accountability and engage citizens.

What is imperative at this moment is staying focus and ensuring on policy direction and effective implementation with prudent resource allocation. For instance, improving the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) highlights the need for accessible healthcare to support a workforce that can operate at all hours.

Defining Project Objectives, Scope, and Outputs

Good policies also fail just as the bad ones. What distinguishes them is setting a clear definition of project objectives, scope, outputs and commitment while aligning the critical human resources for effective implementation.

These are vital for actualising an efficient 24-hour economy. For example, if the government aims to improve public transportation, the project objective may include increasing the efficiency of public transit systems to facilitate 24-hour access.

The project scope might encompasses upgrading infrastructure, enhancing service frequency, and implementing safety measures for night-time travel. In doing so, the government sets expectations that align with the broader goal of improving quality of life and economic productivity.

A 24 hour towing systems, ambulance and mechanic services will also be activated and enhanced.

Education also plays a crucial role in the 24-hour economy. The NDC government’s policies focused on enhancing educational opportunities, possibly by integrating vocational training that aligns with the needs of a 24-hour labour market should be harnessed and promoted.

Objectives could include developing a curriculum that emphasizes round-the-clock service delivery, while the scope may involve expanding learning facilities that operate beyond traditional hours.

The expected outputs would not only include improved student performance but also a more skilled labour force that can contribute to the 24-hour economy.

If we must truly industrialise and grow our nation and for that matter Africa, key attention and investment must be directed to technical and vocational education and capacity building to support critical industries.

The National Apprenticeship Programme should serve as a catalyst for Ghana’s industrial revolution. Skilled labour-force should be handy for both domestic and international markets.

Cooperation between Sectors

Teamwork makes the dream achievable and easy. To realize an efficient and viable 24-hour economy, effective teamwork among different sectors is crucial.

This approach calls for a collective strategy benchmarked on Key Performance Indicators- requires bringing together, industry, healthcare, education, security, infrastructure, commerce and a robust purpose-driven government machinery  to build a system that supports non-stop economic activity.

For example, improved security, transport, energy, health services and a skilled workforce are crucial for businesses that operate around the clock.

This collaboration ensures that everyone works toward common goals, ultimately benefiting the wider community. A philosophy of a win-win and patriotism must lead the way not win-lose or lose-lose.

The NDC government’s focus on creating partnerships between the public and private sectors locally and internationally is also imperative for making this vision a reality. By utilizing public-private partnerships (PPPs), the government can gather resources and expertise, encouraging innovation and better service delivery.

State enterprises must put-on a new competitive business mind-set and drive their businesses to be more profitable to create opportunities for job creation and economic development as well as competing at regional and international markets.

Conclusion

For President Mahama to achieve his revolutionary vision of transforming Ghana into a 24-hour economy and meet the expectations of the Ghanaian people and the investor community, it is first and foremost very and important to accept the fact that this will be a daunting task but attainable with realistic goals and critical investment of time, finance, human resources and commitment from sector leaders and team members.

It is crucial to set clear goals and outlines for government initiatives to thrive and succeed. By following and ensuring on solid governance and project management practices, ensuring transparency, and promoting teamwork among sectors, the NDC government can turn its promises into real benefits for all Ghanaians.

This leadership approach will build trust among citizens and drive the country towards lasting economic growth, fulfilling the social contract and enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

By Dr Donald Agumenu

The post Effective leadership is critical for successful implementation of Mahama’s 24-Hour Economic Policy first appeared on 3News.

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