Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programmes, Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, has emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration is undertaking a deep transformation of the state, not merely launching economic policies.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, Mr. Tanoh framed the 24-Hour Economy policy as just one part of a broader governance reset aimed at restoring state legitimacy, institutional efficiency, and public trust.
“This is not just about extending work shifts,” Tanoh said. “It’s about how the state behaves — how it engages businesses, citizens, and institutions in a way that inspires confidence, removes red tape, and creates the conditions for inclusive growth.”
Governance at the Core
Mr. Tanoh argued that the President’s first 120 days in office have sent a strong message about a renewed purpose in leadership, pointing to the full delivery of Mahama’s self-imposed 120-day “social contract” as a turning point in restoring credibility to governance.
“The fact that he has achieved all those milestones shows a new, renewed determination and purpose. It sets the landscape for what is to come,” he said.
Tanoh described the emerging policy framework as one that redefines how power is exercised — prioritizing service delivery, accountability, and business-friendly governance.
Resetting State-Citizen Relations
A key pillar of this transformation, according to Tanoh, is the recalibration of state-citizen and state-business relations. He warned that without a competent and responsive state, Ghana risks deterring investors and stalling development.
“If the state becomes a barrier, progress suffers. Investors won’t stay where inefficiency is the norm. We are rebuilding the institutional environment to make it attractive and trustworthy,” he stressed.
Anti-Corruption: Code of Conduct Signals Shift
In line with this institutional overhaul, Mr. Tanoh pointed to the newly introduced Code of Conduct for Public Officials as a clear indication of the administration’s stance on corruption and ethical leadership.
“Some of the anti-corruption measures, like the Code of Conduct, are not just symbolic. They’re signals that this government is serious about integrity and discipline in public life,” he said.
Bigger Than the 24-Hour Economy
While the 24-Hour Economy has dominated headlines, Tanoh urged the public to see it as part of a larger national transformation agenda, aimed at inclusive development, responsive governance, and long-term structural change.
He maintained that Ghana’s future success lies in “a capable and caring state that delivers — not only on economic performance, but also on fairness, transparency, and efficiency.”
Mr. Tanoh’s comments come on the heels of the official rollout of the 24-Hour Economy policy — a central feature of Mahama’s economic revitalization agenda aimed at creating jobs and driving round-the-clock activity in key sectors.
