President John Dramani Mahama has clarified that Ghana’s newly launched 24-hour economy initiative is focused on improving productivity and fostering inclusive growth rather than simply lengthening working hours.
During the official launch held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, he explained that the policy aims to create broader economic opportunities, stimulate exports, and establish multi-sector interventions to benefit citizens across the country.
“The 24H plus agenda is not simply extending working hours, it’s about unleashing productivity, expanding opportunities, accelerating exports through well-structured multi-sectoral and inclusive interventions. And so we would have national consultations and co-design,” President Mahama stated.
Introduced as a major campaign pledge of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections, the 24-hour economy represents a decisive step to address joblessness, enhance efficiency across industries, and strengthen Ghana’s standing in global markets.
Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour Economy, Dr. Goosie Tanoh, described the plan as a strategic solution to some of Ghana’s most pressing economic difficulties. He highlighted that the policy centres on three main pillars: transforming production processes, improving supply chains and market systems, and developing a workforce equipped for a continuous, modern economy.
Rolling out the programme fully over the next five years is projected to cost about $4 billion (approximately GHS 400 billion).
While the government has pledged an initial $300 million to kick-start the project, Dr. Tanoh emphasised that attracting private sector financing will be vital to ensure the policy’s success.
The 24-hour economy blueprint was shaped through widespread consultations nationwide, engaging businesses, labour unions, industry leaders, and citizens to ensure the programme aligns with Ghana’s development goals and expectations.
Officials have stated that the initiative also seeks to tackle barriers that have long hindered business growth in Ghana, including unpredictable incentive structures, high operational expenses, and bureaucratic red tape linked to corruption.
Further plans under the policy include developing eco-friendly industrial parks, resolving land ownership and title disputes, and integrating digital training into technical and vocational education systems to prepare the workforce for emerging industries.
Beyond reducing unemployment and increasing economic output, the government envisions that the 24-hour economy will strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive player in the global economy.
The launch signals the start of a nationwide rollout of measures designed to build an economy that serves all Ghanaians day and night, throughout the year.
