Usually associated with football on a pitch, ‘formation’ has penetrated the Ghanaian economy from the books of football coaches due to a plummeting economy that has skyrocketed the cost of living according to John Dramani Mahama.
The 2024 flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said the bad leadership of the Akufo-Addo government has denied many Ghanaians the ability to afford a three squared meal thereby resorting to a strategy to survive the economy.
During his meeting with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Tuesday, November 7, 2023, the former President noted that the depreciation of the Cedi with its accompanying hyperinflation has made many take one meal instead of three in a day.
The practice is what he likened to a 001, 010 formation whilst speaking on the state of the economy.
“The escalating cost of living driven by hyperinflation, a collapsing currency and rising prices of essential items including food has made life unbearable for millions of Ghanaian households who are currently practicing the 001 or 010, or 100, those of you who know it, you know it,” he indicated.
The 010 formation as some Ghanaians are practicing according to Mahama means one has to eat only in the afternoon to cater for the morning and evening. The 001 requires one to stay without food from morning till the evening, with the 100 meaning meal is available only in the mornings.
He noted further that the high cost of living “coupled with a relatively higher unemployment rate particularly amongst the youth, exacerbate the challenges faced by our citizens.”
The TUC during the engagement presented a signed Workers’ Manifesto to John Dramani Mahama.
The Union had welcomed Mahama’s proposed 24-hour economy which is going to be run on three shift systems a day.
According to the TUC, 24-hour economy by the next NDC administration is the game-changer for Ghana.
Explaining his rationale for the proposition, John Dramani Mahama said the purpose for the initiative is to address the unemployment situation of the country.
General Secretary of the TUC, Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, ahead of the former President’s address had lauded the idea saying Ghanaians would love to know more.
“We are also very interested and eager to know more about his great idea of a 24-hour economy,” he indicated.
“I think this one, Comrade, you have to take your time because I can imagine the amount of jobs that this kind of thing will create.
“That could be the game-changer. I am telling you. That you have opportunity in this country to work 24 hours, 3 shifts.
“So, if you don’t get job in the morning, you can get it in the afternoon or in the night,” he noted.
Dr Yaw Baah charged the youth to get ready for jobs with this policy by the NDC ahead of the 2024 elections.
“I think and I mean it, that this is a great idea that was lying somewhere and never discovered and we will be eager to hear a lot more about it.”
John Mahama also promised to inculcate the Workers’ Manifesto into the People’s Manifesto of the NDC.
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