The Government of Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has officially launched its flagship 24-Hour Economy Policy, marking a transformative shift in the nation’s economic strategy aimed at accelerating growth, creating sustainable jobs, and increasing national productivity.
The launch event, held in Accra on Tuesday, brought together key stakeholders including members of the business community, labour unions, academia, development partners, and traditional leaders.
A Bold Economic Shift
President Mahama, in his keynote address, said the 24-Hour Economy is not just a policy but a national movement that seeks to reimagine how Ghana works, produces, and grows.
“This is about turning Ghana into a resilient, productive, and inclusive economy where economic activity does not sleep,” Mahama said. “We are unlocking a new era of opportunity for businesses to operate round the clock, while creating millions of direct and indirect jobs.”
He emphasized that the policy will be implemented in phases, starting with key sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, transport and logistics, healthcare, tourism, ICT, and financial services. The government will work closely with private sector players to ensure incentives are available to support extended work shifts and night operations.
Core Components of the Policy
According to the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the 24-Hour Economy Policy includes:
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Tax incentives and energy subsidies for companies that operate multiple shifts
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Security enhancements in urban and industrial zones to ensure safety during night operations
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Investment in public lighting and transport infrastructure
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Flexible work-hour regulations and shift-based employment contracts
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Expansion of TVET and skill development programmes tailored to night-shift industries
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A National 24-Hour Economy Coordination Unit to monitor implementation and compliance
Economic Benefits
The government estimates that the policy could increase GDP by 2.5% annually and generate over 1 million jobs within the first three years, particularly for the youth and women. It also expects an uptick in export volumes due to the continuous operation of industrial hubs and processing centres.
Dr. Naa Korkor Mensah, an economist at the University of Ghana, praised the initiative as “a game-changer,” especially if properly backed by infrastructure and investment.
“This will increase the productive hours of the economy, reduce idle capacity, and attract new investment in logistics and manufacturing,” she noted.
Support and Concerns
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) welcomed the initiative but called for strong protection of workers’ rights.
TUC General Secretary Dr. Yaw Baah said:
“We support job creation, but we want to ensure workers operating at night receive adequate rest periods, transportation support, and fair compensation. Health and safety standards must be upheld.”
Meanwhile, some civil society groups have urged the government to address Ghana’s existing challenges — including erratic power supply and urban insecurity — to make the policy sustainable.
Pilot Programs Already Underway
The policy has already seen pilot programs in selected industrial enclaves such as the Tema Industrial Zone and parts of the Ashanti and Northern Regions, where companies like Darko Farms and Aluworks have extended operational hours.
Next Steps
President Mahama announced the formation of a high-level inter-ministerial task force to oversee the rollout, with quarterly progress reviews and stakeholder engagement forums.
“This is not a promise; it is a reality already taking shape,” the President declared.
The 24-Hour Economy Policy is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this month for legislative backing.
