Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Must Tackle Ghana’s Productivity Deficit, Says Ofosu-Dorte
David Ofosu-Dorte, Senior Partner at AB & David Africa, has highlighted the need for Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy policy to serve as a strategic tool for addressing the country’s persistent productivity challenges.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, February 10, Mr Ofosu-Dorte stressed that for the policy to be effective, it must be implemented with a clear focus on boosting economic efficiency and production capacity.
“If you stimulate demand and you match it with a 24-hour economy, then you are increasing supply and you’re increasing productivity. That is what you do in a country that has low productivity,” he noted.
President Mahama has described the 24-hour economy as “a deliberate policy to encourage and support businesses and public organizations to operate 24/7 in three shifts of eight hours to boost production, promote productivity, and generate well-paying jobs—aimed at transforming Ghana into an import substitution and export-led economy.”
However, Mr Ofosu-Dorte cautioned that the policy’s success hinges on strong leadership and collective commitment from government officials. He warned that if the President fails to align his appointees with his vision, the initiative could falter.
“For him, ‘there should be central direction’ and a great effort to carry the whole nation along in his bid to reset the economy,” he added.
As Ghana seeks to revamp its economic structure, the effectiveness of the 24-hour economy policy will be closely watched by businesses, investors, and policymakers.
