Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy has the potential to boost productivity, create decent jobs, expand exports and accelerate economic growth, but its success will depend on strong infrastructure, private-sector leadership and effective implementation, Prof. Anthony Amoah, an Applied Economist, has said.
He urged the Government to strengthen institutional, infrastructural and policy frameworks to ensure the successful implementation of the flagship 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, describing it as one of Ghana’s boldest economic transformation strategies in decades.
Prof. Amoah, who is also Dean of the School of Sustainable Development at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, made the remarks in an assessment of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in an interview with the media.
He said the initiative’s success would not depend merely on extending working hours but on creating the right conditions to maximise the use of capital, labour and infrastructure while ensuring efficient access to domestic and international markets.
“The real strength of a 24-hour economy lies not in extending working hours alone, but in maximising the utilisation of capital, infrastructure and labour while ensuring that goods reach both domestic and international markets efficiently,” he said.
Prof. Amoah noted that countries such as China, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and sectors of the United Arab Emirates had demonstrated that continuous production systems delivered results when supported by reliable infrastructure, efficient logistics and strong export markets.
He said the passage of the 24-Hour Economy Authority Act, 2026 (Act 1164) had provided the legal framework for implementing the programme.
According to him, government data indicated that 268 fuel stations, 11 bulk oil depots, two oil refineries, 33 manufacturing firms and 12 public institutions had already adopted multi-shift operations.
He also referenced government announcements of more than US$11.5 billion in prospective investments, including US$5.5 billion secured through Joint Development Agreements to support industrialisation and export growth.
Prof. Amoah described those developments as encouraging, saying they signalled that the initiative was moving beyond policy pronouncements towards institutional implementation.
However, he cautioned that the programme would only succeed if supported by reliable electricity, efficient transport networks, seamless logistics, affordable financing, adequate security, clear labour regulations and sustained market demand.
He observed that although Ghana’s macroeconomic environment had improved, ongoing fiscal consolidation continued to constrain public spending on critical infrastructure needed to support the initiative.
Prof. Amoah also expressed concern about Ghana’s narrow export base, noting that despite recording a strong trade surplus in 2025 and the first half of 2026, export performance remained heavily dependent on gold.
He called for increased investment in manufacturing, agro-processing and value-added industries to diversify exports and reduce reliance on primary commodities.
The economist further noted that many small and medium-sized enterprises continued to face high production costs, expensive credit, limited access to long-term financing and infrastructure deficits.
He warned that introducing additional production shifts without addressing those structural constraints could increase operating costs beyond productivity gains.
Prof. Amoah stressed that labour market readiness was equally important, saying successful multi-shift operations required skilled workers, robust occupational safety standards, reliable night-time transport and fair compensation for employees working outside conventional hours.
He welcomed government’s decision to integrate the Accelerated Export Development Programme with the 24-Hour Economy, describing the move as strategically important because increased production must be matched by expanded export opportunities.
Prof. Amoah recommended prioritising agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles and garments, automotive components, digital services, processed minerals and other value-added products with strong regional and international demand, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He said the initiative should be viewed primarily as an industrial transformation strategy rather than simply an employment programme.
Prof. Amoah proposed a phased implementation approach, beginning with export-oriented industrial hubs such as Tema, Takoradi, Kumasi and selected agro-processing corridors to evaluate the programme’s impact on productivity, employment, logistics, energy demand, worker welfare and business profitability before nationwide expansion.
He urged the Government to allow the private sector to lead implementation while focusing on enabling infrastructure, affordable financing, stronger labour protections and continuous monitoring of performance.
“The long-term success of the initiative should be measured by its ability to improve productivity, create quality jobs, expand exports, attract investment and raise living standards,” he said.
Prof. Amoah added that the 24-Hour Economy could become a powerful engine of inclusive growth if implemented with careful sequencing, adequate infrastructure, strong private-sector participation and continuous policy learning.
“Without these foundations, the initiative risks becoming an expensive slogan rather than a lasting structural reform,” he said.
