Salaga South MP Criticises Minority Over 24-Hour Economy Debate, Defends NDC Governance Record

The Member of Parliament for the Salaga South Constituency, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimiah, has expressed strong concerns over what she described as attempts by the Minority to undermine the establishment of a 24-hour Economy Authority.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament during consideration of the report on the proposed 24-hour economy authority, Hon. Zuwera said she was deeply disappointed by suggestions from the Minority that there was no need for such an authority.

She recalled that during the Eighth Parliament, the Minority strongly promoted the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, yet for four years and one day, Parliament was repeatedly told that the bill was “on its way,” only for it never to be presented.

According to her, she was surprised that a colleague referenced the Free SHS programme and claimed it was blocked within three months by the NPP government.

She argued that the implementation of Free SHS at the time was chaotic, marked by demonstrations, strikes, and shortages of food items such as gari and palm oil.

She stressed that such challenges arise when programmes are rolled out without clear policy direction and adequate planning, adding that running a country through rushed policies and programmes is not a three-month exercise and should not be celebrated.

She further stated that since the NDC government assumed office on 7 January 2025, there has been no strike action, no complaints about food shortages for SHS students, and no demonstrations.

She attributed this to good governance that prioritises careful policy formulation with long-term sustainability, rather than propaganda that compromises the future of children.

Hon. Zuwera also highlighted the difference between export promotion and export development, describing them as two distinct concepts.

She explained that the 24-hour economy focuses on productivity, competitiveness, and inclusive growth. Referring to President John Dramani Mahama’s vision, she noted that Ghana aims to “consume what we produce” and export value-added goods, rather than raw materials.

She shared a personal reflection, saying she felt proud as a Ghanaian on her way to work, with her only regret being that she did not see a particular news item earlier. Otherwise, she said, she would have come to Parliament wearing her fugu.

She cited President Mahama’s recent visit to Zambia, where he arrived dressed in a beautifully made Ghanaian fugu, describing it as a clear example of exporting finished Ghanaian products.

According to her, Zambia’s decision to adopt the Ghanaian fugu demonstrates the export of developed, value-added local products.

Story by Bismark Mensah@A/R.