Ghana’s economic growth over the past three decades has been impressive on paper, yet employment rates have continued to fall, highlighting the challenge of “jobless growth.” In response, the government’s 24‑Hour Economy Secretariat has unveiled a comprehensive strategy designed to translate economic expansion into sustainable jobs, higher productivity, and inclusive development.
Arnold Parker, a representative from the Secretariat, presented the programme and emphasized its inclusivity. “The models have been structured to accommodate all kinds of businesses so they can all participate in the 24‑Hour Economy programme,” Parker said, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that both large enterprises and small-scale entrepreneurs benefit from the initiative.
Though the Secretariat has not been highly visible in public discussions, and concerns have even been raised in Parliament about the programme’s promises not yet being fulfilled, Parker stressed that officials are working diligently behind the scenes to set up all necessary systems. “We are putting in place the structures, regulations, and partnerships needed to fully start the programme,” he explained, highlighting that careful preparation is essential for long-term success.
At the heart of the strategy is the 24‑Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+ Economy), which seeks to transform sectors critical to employment and competitiveness. Parker explained that “Grow24 is driving food security, climate resilience, and sustainable jobs by increasing productivity and ensuring raw material supply for local processing and exports.” By modernizing agriculture and linking farmers to processing and export markets, the programme aims to boost rural incomes while generating employment.
Manufacturing also receives a major boost under Make24, which Parker described as “accelerating Ghana’s transition from import reliance to manufacturing by strengthening local production capacity and expanding value addition in strategic sectors.” Industrial parks and domestic sourcing of inputs are central to this effort, creating new job opportunities across multiple regions.
Construction is being reshaped through Build24, which Parker said is “transforming construction by localising materials, formalising jobs, and industrialising building for a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive sector.” Meanwhile, creative industries and tourism are promoted through Show24, which projects “African identity and creativity excellence globally through culture, arts, and tourism value chains that generate jobs, exports, and national pride.”
The programme also focuses on improving supply chains, financing, and skills development. Connect24 builds integrated and efficient logistics networks to enhance competitiveness, while Fund24 expands access to long-term financing for MSMEs to support growth and scale. Aspire24 equips entrepreneurs, producers, and workers with digital, technical, and vocational skills to thrive in an industrial and globally competitive economy.
Parker emphasized that the 24H+ Economy is designed to be inclusive, stating that all businesses, regardless of size or sector, can participate and benefit. Officials stress that the programme is not merely about extending working hours, but about ensuring that Ghana’s GDP growth translates directly into meaningful employment, productivity, and equitable development across sectors.
