The Chief Executive Officer of Savannah & Sahel Commodities Ltd, Mr. Senyo Kpelly, has called for a fundamental shift in the vision of Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy, suggesting that it should evolve into a “24-hour circular economy” to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.
In an interview, Mr. Kpelly welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s ambitious 24-hour economy idea but warned that its current framing risks amplifying existing inefficiencies in Ghana’s production, waste, and logistics systems.
“If we just start running a 24-hour economy, we’re not only increasing production, we’re also doubling the problems we already have. A circular model, one that prioritizes zero waste, resource reuse, and environmental sustainability, is what Ghana really needs,” he said.
Waste and Logistics Must Be Central to the Strategy
According to Mr. Kpelly, over 50% of fresh produce in Ghana is lost before it reaches consumers. This, coupled with inefficient logistics and an overdependence on synthetic fertilizers and imported protein, would make a standard 24-hour economy unsustainable without significant reform.
“Why are we not using organic compost and animal manure on a large scale? We’re importing $155 million worth of synthetic fertilizer annually while exporting poultry manure to neighbouring countries,” he said, describing the trend as “economically and agriculturally backwards.”
He emphasized that a 24-hour circular economy must integrate waste management, bioenergy, renewable energy, and modern transportation networks.
“We need to rethink how we move goods and people. Let’s connect regional capitals by rail and ease the pressure on our roads,” he said.
Make It a National Vision and Give It Time
Mr. Kpelly urged policymakers to treat the circular economy as a 10-year national transformation strategy, with clear recycling targets and incentives for reuse across all sectors.
“Let’s set measurable goals like recycling 70% of our plastic waste by 2035. Let’s build a system where waste from one sector becomes raw material for another,” he said.
He added that such an approach could drastically reduce input costs for farmers and make Ghana’s agriculture globally competitive.
He also advocated for night-time recycling operations, energy-efficient transport, and solar-powered processing as part of the 24-hour cycle.
“Process during the day, recycle and transport at night. That’s how you stretch resources and reduce waste,” he noted.
Call for Soil Health and Youth Engagement
Mr. Kpelly warned that without investing in soil health and integrating organic matter into farming practices, Ghana’s youth will continue to shy away from agriculture due to poor yields and high costs.
“The soil is the foundation. If you destroy it with synthetic inputs and ignore organic regeneration, you’re killing farming. A smart farmer is a soil expert.
He called on government, academia, and industry to launch a national consultation on building a 24-hour circular economy, rooted in environmental responsibility and economic efficiency.
“Let’s not just work around the clock, let’s work smart, sustainably, and in harmony with our natural systems. That’s how Ghana can lead Africa in economic innovation”, he said.
