The Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, has mounted a spirited defense for his recent remarks on the 24-hour economy proposal put forth by former President John Dramani Mahama.
Mr. Yakubu, who has faced intense scrutiny for suggesting that men might abstain from sexual relations with their wives if the 24-hour economy were implemented, asserted during a sod-cutting ceremony in Bolgatanga on Tuesday that he owed no one an apology for speaking what he deemed the truth.
The minister’s comments, made amidst the backdrop of a growing discourse on the feasibility and implications of a 24-hour economy, have sparked a heated debate on social and traditional media platforms.
Critics argue that Yakubu’s statement is not only inappropriate but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about gender roles and relationships.
Addressing the media during the ceremony, Minister Yakubu reiterated his stance, explaining that he intended to highlight the practical challenges that such a work model could pose to familial relationships.
He stated, “I stand by my words. We must have an open conversation about the potential consequences of policies. If we implement a 24-hour economy, it will have ripple effects on various aspects of our lives, including family dynamics.”
His comments, especially from the Women’s Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Nabdam Constituency, were said to reinforce outdated gender norms and divert attention from the substantive issues surrounding the 24-hour economy proposal. They demanded an immediate apology from the minister.
But in response to such calls for an apology, Mr. Yakubu remained resolute, stating, “I owe no one an apology for speaking the truth. We must engage in honest and sometimes uncomfortable dialogues to make informed decisions about our future.”
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga|Ghana
