Although Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy has generated political debate, Labour, Jobs and Employment Minister, Hon. Dr. Rashid Pelpuo says the proof of its viability already exists in companies like Nestle Ghana, which operates around the clock.
During a working visit to the company’s manufacturing plant in Tema on February 26, 2026, Pelpuo said there could be potential plans to connect 442 companies that have expressed interest in the policy with established 24-hour operators for learning and possible training partnerships.
“This is a very important area. We may need to consult Nestle and other companies already running 24 hours to see how the 442 companies that have listed to say they want to run 24 hours can see how an already existing 24-hour economy is operating and how that can aid them to speed into the process,” he said.
He added that “if there is need for them to be trained, I know Nestle will not shy away from coming in to support Ghana to train them.”
As Ghana encourages more companies to adopt round-the-clock operations, the government is also turning its attention to the conditions inside these workplaces. During a tour of the Nestle factory, Minister Rashid Pelpuo emphasized that scaling up production must go hand-in-hand with protecting employee welfare.
“A key reason we came here is to associate ourselves with you and to see the working conditions. We are interested in the occupational safety of workers. It’s good to see that workers are working in an atmosphere that suits them. We put it in our law, but it’s important to come and see,” Pelpuo said
Nestle in Ghana employs 1,500 people directly and supports 12,600 indirect jobs through its value chain. The company operates one factory, two distribution centers, and four regional branches. It employs 99% Ghanaians and 1% non-Ghanaians. Nestle Ghana has been part of the country’s food and beverage industry for decades, with its products holding recognition across generations of Ghanaian consumers.
The visit also carried personal meaning for the minister. “I remember when we were in secondary school, if you were able to send Ideal Milk to school, you are the ones everybody looks at. It makes you different. Nestle products have been up there in the minds of every young person as you grow up,” he added.
He added that the more companies invest, the more workers are paid, the more people are employed, and it has a direct consequence to economic growth. Nestle is a key investment area that touches directly on the lives of Ghanaians.”
He further noted the company already operates under the 24-hour model. “If anybody wants to know whether 24 hours is working, it’s working in Nestle. There’s life here. 24-hour economy has taken life here, and I’m happy about that. Whatever we can do to incentivize you to do more, we want to do.”
