24-Hour Economy or 24-Hour Intimidation? Ahiagbah Questions Mahama

Richard Ahiagbah, Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused President John Mahama and his government of deliberately using political arrests as a strategy to distract Ghanaians from what he describes as a failed economic agenda—particularly the much-touted 24-hour economy.

His comments follow the recent arrest of NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, which has sparked debates about political targeting.

Ahiagbah insists that this is part of a broader agenda by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to intimidate its opponents and shift the national conversation away from pressing economic issues.

Taking to social media, Ahiagbah wrote, “President Mahama and the NDC are employing diversionary tactics to deflect attention from the bread-and-butter issues of the day. They promised a 24-hour economy but are instead delivering 24-hour intimidation of political opponents.”

He went further to call out the government’s lack of progress on job creation and economic reforms, two key pillars of Mahama’s campaign. “Holding people accountable should not be used as a cover-up for this government’s inefficiency… Mr. President, where are the jobs? Ghanaians are asking,” Ahiagbah added.

The 24-hour economy—one of President Mahama’s flagship proposals—promised to boost productivity, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth by keeping key sectors of the economy running around the clock.

However, critics like Ahiagbah argue that there has been little to no action since Mahama assumed office, with the policy largely stalled or undefined.

The NDC, on the other hand, maintains that it is committed to accountability and has dismissed accusations of political persecution, stating that no individual is above the law.

Still, Ahiagbah’s remarks reflect growing political tension between the two major parties, as the country inches closer to the next general election.

The opposition NPP appears poised to challenge the government’s performance record, especially regarding its economic promises.

For now, as Ghanaians continue to grapple with high unemployment and rising living costs, the pressure is mounting on the Mahama administration to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results.