A leading figure within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ahafo Region, Robert Sarfo-Mensah, popularly known as Booba, has launched a blistering critique of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing it of misleading Ghanaians with what he describes as a “deceptive and failed” 24-hour economy policy.

Speaking in an interview at Mim in the Ahafo Region, the aspiring NPP Regional Chairman said the much-publicised policy once touted as a transformative blueprint for job creation and industrial expansion has fallen far short of expectations, exposing what he claims is a gap between political rhetoric and economic reality.

“The NDC promised Ghanaians a 24-hour economy, but what we are witnessing today is nothing more than a 24-hour market agenda,” Booba asserted. “Ghanaians expected factories, industries, investments, and sustainable employment not rebranded market projects wrapped in political slogans.”

Booba accused the government of deliberately raising public expectations with what he described as an ambitious but poorly executed policy framework.

According to him, the initiative has failed to deliver tangible economic transformation, particularly for the youth who were promised large-scale employment opportunities.

“You cannot deceive the youth with catchy slogans while unemployment continues to rise,” he said. “The Ghanaian people voted for real economic transformation not cosmetic interventions and political branding.”

He further argued that the government lacks a coherent economic direction, warning that the current trajectory risks deepening hardship among ordinary citizens already grappling with rising living costs and limited job opportunities.

In contrast, Booba positioned the NPP as a party with a proven track record in economic management, pointing to flagship initiatives such as One District, One Factory and other industrialisation policies implemented during its tenure.

He maintained that such interventions not only stimulated local economies but also created sustainable employment avenues for young people across the country.

“The NPP remains the only party with a credible record in industrialisation, infrastructure development, and job creation,” he said. “We have demonstrated what practical, results-driven leadership looks like.”

Looking ahead, Booba urged party faithful—particularly in the Ahafo Region to remain united as the NPP undertakes internal reorganisation efforts aimed at reclaiming political power in the 2028 general elections.

“We must learn from the past, reconnect with the grassroots, and present Ghanaians with credible, visionary leadership once again,” he stated. “The people are already seeing through the deception.”

He also reaffirmed his personal commitment to strengthening the party’s base in the region through grassroots mobilisation and strategic leadership, with the goal of recapturing lost parliamentary seats.

Booba’s remarks come amid intensifying political discourse over the effectiveness of flagship government policies, with the 24-hour economy initiative increasingly becoming a focal point of debate between the two major parties.

Reporting by Daniel Donkor, Ahafo Region