The recent signing of the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill into law has drawn criticism from business stakeholders, with Ibrahim Adjei, Resident Country Director of International Investments LLC, warning that the initiative may be unsustainable without proper planning and infrastructure.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Mr. Adjei cautioned that Ghana’s current electricity reserve margin of 9.2% is insufficient to support round-the-clock operations, compared to 28–31% under the previous administration. He emphasized that stable power is essential for the success of any 24-hour economy and warned that inadequate security preparedness could further compromise the policy’s rollout.
“Without reliable electricity and a strong nighttime police presence, the 24-hour economy risks collapsing and undermining public confidence in government economic reforms,” he said.
The government, under President John Dramani Mahama, enacted the law on February 16, positioning it as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. However, Mr. Adjei described the policy as “rushed” and “poorly thought through,” urging authorities to implement a comprehensive strategy addressing energy, security, and operational logistics before full-scale operations begin.
He stressed that failure to tackle these critical gaps could turn the flagship initiative into a cautionary example of policy implementation without foundational support, potentially harming investor confidence and public trust in the broader economic agenda.
