Ghana’s President, John Mahama, has launched an ambitious plan aimed at transforming the nation’s economy into a 24-hour operational system, designed to boost economic activity and expand the country’s export base.
Speaking at the official launch in Accra, President Mahama described the initiative, called the “24hr Plus Agenda,” as a significant shift from the traditional economy, which relies heavily on exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.
He urged Ghanaians to shift from merely discussing ideas to taking concrete steps, emphasizing that the plan signals the beginning of a large-scale national effort to stimulate economic growth.
According to the President, the 24-hour economy goes beyond simply extending business hours; it aims to enhance productivity, generate employment, and improve Ghana’s competitiveness in the global market through coordinated and inclusive programs across various sectors.
“The 24hr Plus Agenda is not simply about extending extending working hours; it is about unleashing productivity, expanding opportunity and accelerating exports through well-structured, multi-sectoral, and inclusive interventions”
President Mahama further revealed that the 24hr Plus Agenda will be driven by six specialized programs targeting vital sectors of the economy.
These include initiatives titled Grow 24, Make 24, Build 24, Show 24, Connect 24, and Fund 24, each focusing on key areas to maximize value creation and economic resilience.
“Grow 24 – this focuses on transforming the agricultural sector through technology-driven, climate‑smart practices that allow for round‑the‑clock production and value addition.”
“The 24-hour economy will be driven by several key initiatives. Grow 24 will transform agriculture with modern technology and ensure all-year production. Make 24 will focus on manufacturing and industry running around the clock to boost jobs and exports. Build 24 is aimed at continuous infrastructure development to modernize our country”
“Show 24 will promote tourism, creative arts, and entertainment, keeping Ghana active day and night. Connect 24 will improve transport and digital networks to support this new economy. Fund 24 will provide financial support to businesses that operate under the 24-hour model. Aspire 24 will empower youth and entrepreneurs to take advantage of new opportunities”
“Go 24 is about ensuring security and essential services so this economy can function safely at all times. Together, these programs will help create jobs, grow the economy, and make Ghana more competitive on the global stage.”
He stated that “while the 24 hour plus program is national in scope, our flagship initiative is the Volta economic corridor, a transformational effort to unlock the economic and environmental potential of the Volta lake and its surrounding lands”
