James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme, aimed at maximising resource utilisation through shifts.
Speaking at the 12th Annual Conference of Chairpersons of Governing Boards/Councils, Chief Directors and Chief Executives of the Public Services of Ghana in Ho, the Minister emphasised the ambitious programme’s potential to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and increase productivity in the region and the entire country.
“We are ready to partner with you. And as indicated, when it comes to the 24-Hour Economy programme of His Excellency President Mahama, Volta Region is key — talking about the Volta Economic Corridor Project (expected to transform Lake Volta into a logistics and production powerhouse), which is a flagship programme of government. We are ready to work together so that we develop Volta Region, reset this region, and reset Ghana for a better tomorrow.”
He said the Coordinating Council, the interface between the assemblies (the people) and the institutions, ministries and departments, had decided to apply a three-point agenda for the region, the first being to ensure peace and stability in the region in order to make Volta Region the best investment destination.
“Two, to build the capacities of the municipal and district assemblies in the region in order that they can deliver on their core mandates, including local economic development and job creation. And last but not least, to collaborate with ministries, departments and agencies in order to ensure His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for this region is achieved within record time.
…I have seen all the shakers and movers of our public sector here. So, we are ready to collaborate with you and make sure that President Mahama’s vision for Volta Region, and not only Volta but the entire nation, is achieved.”
Mr Gunu flaunted the tourism credentials of Volta, mentioning among others Mount Afadja, Wli Waterfalls and Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary, inviting all to take a tour of the region, saying, “There is no single municipal or district assembly in this region without one or two tourist sites.”
The conference, held on the theme “Strengthening the Public Sector Leadership and Governance to Enhance Service Delivery,” saw presentations including one on the 24-Hour Economy, disclosing it was being built on three pillars: production transformation, supply chain efficiency and human capital development.
Mr Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, emphasised the need for a 24-Hour Economy where services were accessible around the clock.
“I would like to use the 24-Hour Economy as a practical case study rather than just a slogan. It is a test of whether our institutions can deliver services reliably, digitally and around the clock. Citizens and businesses must be able to apply for permits, pay taxes, clear goods, access health and emergency services, and obtain information with speed and certainty at any hour.”
He bemoaned institutional fragility that had had negative consequences, including a trust deficit, and said the 24-Hour Economy was a non-threatening way to “rebuild capability, trust and collaboration.”
