Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mona Quartey, has defended Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson following concerns over the absence of the 24-Hour Economy policy in the 2025 Budget Statement.
During a discussion on The Big Issue, NPP Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, questioned why the finance minister failed to include the NDC’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy in the budget presented to Parliament on March 11.
In response, Mona Quartey clarified that the policy requires legal and structural adjustments before full implementation.
“The 24-hour economy policy, as the minister said, will come back to parliament for proper discussion on how it will play out. It requires changes in laws. One of such major changes is the labour law. You don’t just start a 24-hour economy without looking at the labour law, and that will happen.
“We will have to fix the energy sector because power is going to be very important for the policy. There are certain key areas that needs to be fixed or made proper before the policy is presented in parliament. Otherwise people, like you Richard, will tear it apart.
“So, we will tread with caution, we will get to it and fix it and we will do it. So, there is no rush in the implementation,” she stated.
Addressing the timeline for implementation, Quartey assured that the policy would take effect within the year.
“It will start this year. Laws do not take time to amend so we will complete that this year. The energy sector is in deep crisis and that will be based on the percentage change.”
