As the government of President John Mahama sets out to officially unveil its ambitious 24-Hour Economy policy later today, a policy review by the Africa Centre for Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment (ACEYE) is raising critical questions about the possible hurdles the initiative could face.
ACEYE says the flagship initiative could falter without deep structural reforms, regulatory clarity, and strong political commitment.
Ahead of the 2024 General Election, the then National Democratic Congress (NDC) billed the 24-Hour Economy as a game-changer for job creation, industrial expansion, and economic transformation.
Six months in government, President Mahama is set to launch the initiative today, July 2, 2025, after “rigorous work” has been done under the leadership of the President’s Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy, Goosie Tanoh.
However, the ACEYE policy review outlines eight key challenges that threaten to derail the policy unless swiftly and strategically addressed.
Durability of Infrastructure
At the foundation of the problem is Ghana’s underdeveloped infrastructure. Poor roads, dilapidated markets, and inadequate storage facilities remain widespread, especially outside major urban areas. ACEYE warns that without urgent investments in resilient, modern infrastructure, many sectors may struggle to support continuous economic activity. “You cannot run a 24-hour economy on a 12-hour road network,” the brief bluntly states.
Consistency of Energy Supply
A constant, affordable power supply is non-negotiable for a 24/7 economy, yet frequent load-shedding and high electricity costs continue to plague Ghana’s energy sector. Although the proposed Time-of-Use tariff system may ease some cost burdens during off-peak hours, ACEYE argues this solution is cosmetic if the core inefficiencies in power generation and distribution remain unaddressed.
Resistance to Change
The brief also highlights deep cultural norms and labor dynamics that could limit public buy-in. Many Ghanaians are still attached to daytime work routines shaped by religious, social, and family obligations. The idea of night shifts or nontraditional work hours may face significant resistance, particularly in rural communities. Recruiting qualified workers for night shifts in essential services like healthcare and retail could prove especially challenging.
Customization of Activities
A 24-hour economy, ACEYE says, is not one-size-fits-all. In agriculture, for example, activities like cocoa harvesting are inherently daylight-bound. Without greater mechanization, irrigation, and post-harvest infrastructure, round-the-clock agro-processing may falter due to an inconsistent supply of raw materials.
Availability of Skilled Personnel
In sectors like healthcare, where staff are already stretched thin, extending services around the clock will amplify existing burdens. The report emphasizes the need for aggressive recruitment, improved working conditions, and targeted incentives, particularly for professionals posted to remote areas.
Production Planning and Market Creation
The success of continuous production also depends on demand. If manufacturers operate 24/7 without corresponding market demand or reliable supply chains, the result could be overproduction, spoilage, and inefficiencies. Industries producing perishables or reliant on imported inputs are especially vulnerable.
Regulation
Regulation remains a glaring weakness. The 24-Hour Economy will require new labor laws, tax incentives, and energy pricing models, but ACEYE warns that enforcement is likely to be undermined by Ghana’s long-standing issues of corruption, weak institutions, and political interference. Without effective oversight, businesses and workers alike could be exposed to abuse or uncertainty.
Political Commitments and Longevity
Finally, the policy’s success depends heavily on consistent political will and inter-ministerial coordination. Any delay in addressing legal, labor, or energy issues could create policy instability, discouraging long-term private sector investment. “Without clear and sustained political commitment, this initiative could become just another campaign promise,” ACEYE cautions.
A Vision Worth Pursuing, But Not Without Work
Many analysts have confirmed that the 24-Hour Economy holds enormous potential to reshape Ghana’s economic landscape, but only if grounded in realism. They therefore recommend that policymakers must approach its implementation not as a sweeping transformation overnight, but as a phased, sector-specific journey that includes deep investment in people, infrastructure, and policy enforcement.
As President Mahama prepares to officially launch the initiative, ACEYE maintains that these structural challenges must be addressed to ensure that the economy reaps the benefits of the initiative.
