The government is transforming the 24‑Hour Economy Secretariat into a full 24‑Hour Economy Authority, bringing Ghana closer to operationalising a round‑the‑clock economic model aimed at boosting productivity, job creation, and investment across sectors, but questions remain as to whether the necessary groundwork has been properly set.
The new Authority is expected to serve as the central coordinating body for the policy’s implementation, regulating participating businesses, setting operational standards, and administering incentives to encourage extended operations.
President John Dramani Mahama announced that the Authority bill has now been considered by the government and is slated to be presented to Parliament. Once enacted, the Authority will replace the existing secretariat and widen the scope of activities that support continuous business operations nationwide.
The 24‑Hour Economy initiative, which was launched nationally in July 2025, is designed to expand Ghana’s productive base beyond the traditional eight‑hour workday, fostering new avenues of growth in manufacturing, logistics, services, and agriculture.
It complements broader economic transformation efforts, including export development and industrialisation, with government projections suggesting the potential to create millions of jobs and stimulate both local and foreign investment.
However, business readiness remains mixed. Several large public institutions, including the Ghana Publishing Company, which has adopted a two‑shift model, are already experimenting with extended operations, reporting early benefits such as improved service delivery and better use of infrastructure.
In contrast, many small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) caution that operating 24/7 requires significant shifts in cost structures, labour strategies, and demand forecasting.
Extended hours mean higher electricity bills, increased staffing needs, and security concerns, particularly for informal traders and microbusiness owners who typically operate within daylight hours. Many businesses are increasingly concerned about the performance of ECG and GWCL, noting that electricity and water services remain unreliable in several areas.
To address some of these challenges, the proposed 24‑Hour Economy Authority is expected to offer a certification programme, access to financing, and targeted incentives for businesses ready to adopt round‑the‑clock operations. According to the official 24H+ programme portal, certified businesses may unlock financing, tax benefits, and expert training, elements critical for competitiveness in a 24‑hour market environment.
Government officials have also acknowledged that the transition to a full 24‑hour economy will not be immediate. Minister of
Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare‑Addo, emphasised that complete implementation is realistically expected by the end of 2026, due to the significant legislative and structural shifts required.Ghana’s success in this economic transformation hinges on several key factors, including infrastructure reliability, labour market adaptation, demand stimulation, and security measures to protect workers and customers at all hours.
The 24‑Hour Economy has high potential to unlock productivity and generate jobs, particularly among youth and in sectors like logistics, manufacturing, and services. But for many Ghanaian businesses, the transition raises questions about cost viability, consumer behaviour after traditional business hours, and access to financing and incentives.
