Parliament has passed the 24 Hour Economy Authority Bill, a key legislative move aimed at expanding job opportunities for unemployed youth across the country.

Speaking to the media after the passage of the bill, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, said the initiative fulfils a major campaign promise made by the National Democratic Congress to reform the economy, which he described as the largest employer of the youth who voted for the party in the 2024 general elections.

According to him, the introduction of the 24 Hour Economy is intended to ensure that more young people are gainfully employed, thereby reducing unemployment in the country.

Mr Ayariga explained that the policy will operate on a shift system, typically three shifts, allowing work to be carried out during both day and night to create additional employment opportunities for Ghanaians.

The Leader of Government Business further argued that the Ghanaian economy had deteriorated over the past eight years under the New Patriotic Party administration, forcing many young people to migrate abroad in search of jobs.

He said the NDC’s 24 Hour Economy policy is expected to serve as a game changer capable of reversing the trend and restoring economic confidence.

Mr Ayariga also noted that for the policy to be effectively implemented, it required a strong constitutional and legal foundation, which the passage of the 24 Hour Economy Authority Bill now provides.