Bawumia Slams Government's 24-Hour Economy Policy as Cover for Mass Demolitions

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has launched a scathing attack on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government's flagship 24-hour economy initiative, rebranding it as a "24-hour demolitions" campaign. His comments come amid ongoing concerns about large-scale demolition exercises that have displaced residents and business owners across the country, most notably in communities like Labadi.

Speaking in solidarity with affected residents, Bawumia called for immediate government intervention to compensate victims of the demolition drives. "We stand with Labadi," he stated, signalling the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) opposition stance on what critics describe as aggressive urban renewal projects with insufficient regard for citizen welfare.

The Labadi Demolition Context

Labadi, a historic beachfront community in Accra, has become emblematic of tensions between urban development plans and residents' rights. Demolition exercises in the area have raised questions about proper notice periods, fair compensation, and the government's engagement with affected communities before proceeding with large-scale property destruction. The situation has drawn attention from political opposition figures, civil society organisations, and residents seeking clarity on the government's urban renewal strategy.

Political Stakes and Economic Policy Debate

The 24-hour economy concept—originally promoted by the NPP under former President Nana Akufo-Addo as a driver of productivity and economic growth—has become a focal point of political contestation. Bawumia's reframing suggests the opposition views recent demolitions not as isolated incidents but as symptomatic of broader governance failures under President John Dramani Mahama's administration. The clash highlights fundamental disagreements about how economic development should proceed and who bears the costs of modernisation.

Why This Matters for Ghana

This dispute cuts to the heart of Ghana's urban development challenges. As cities expand and governments pursue infrastructure improvements, the tension between progress and protection of citizens' livelihoods intensifies. Ghanaians across Accra, Kumasi, Tema and other urban centres face genuine uncertainty about property security and fair compensation frameworks. The lack of transparent, legally binding compensation mechanisms leaves vulnerable populations—informal traders, small landlords, tenants—exposed to economic shocks.

Opposition calls for compensation also reflect broader concerns about accountability and due process. Whether demolitions follow established legal procedures, whether affected people receive adequate warning, and whether compensation schemes are transparent and sufficient are questions that affect public trust in government institutions. These issues transcend party politics; they touch on constitutional rights to property and livelihood.

The debate also underscores how economic policy narratives can obscure or reveal governance priorities. If development projects proceed without adequate safeguards for ordinary citizens, the 24-hour economy risks becoming synonymous with instability and uncertainty for those with least economic cushion—reinforcing perceptions that growth benefits elites while costs fall on poor and working-class Ghanaians.

As the government continues urban renewal efforts, pressure will likely mount for clearer policies on community consultation, advance notice periods, and transparent, needs-based compensation schemes. Whether such safeguards materialise will test the current administration's commitment to inclusive development.