President Mahama Unveils Eight Pillars of 24-Hour Economy Initiative to Spur Inclusive Growth
President John Dramani Mahama has formally launched the flagship 24-hour economy policy, outlining eight strategic pillars aimed at repositioning Ghana’s economy for inclusive growth, job creation, and sustained productivity.
Speaking at the launch event in Accra, President Mahama said the 24-hour economy is designed to overhaul Ghana’s economic structure by enabling round-the-clock operations across key sectors of the economy.
He emphasised that the policy goes beyond extended business hours and seeks to create a robust ecosystem for continuous economic activity.
“The 24-hour economy is not simply about keeping shops open all night, it is about creating the enabling infrastructure, providing policy support, and incentivising businesses to operate in a thriving and sustainable round-the-clock economy,” he stated.
The initiative will be anchored on eight thematic focus areas, each branded with a forward-looking slogan: Grow 24, Make 24, Build 24, Show 24, Connect 24, Fund 24, Aspire 24, and Go 24.
- Grow 24 will prioritise agricultural transformation through climate-smart, technology-driven farming to enable continuous production and food processing. It aims to enhance food security and reduce post-harvest losses.
- Make 24 focuses on industrialisation and manufacturing, with incentives for factories and industrial zones to operate 24 hours to increase output, boost exports, and create jobs.
- Build 24 targets the construction and infrastructure sector, promoting continuous work schedules on public and private projects to accelerate national development and close the housing deficit.
- Show 24 is centred on the creative economy, arts, tourism, and entertainment, with policy support to position Ghana as a 24-hour cultural and investment destination.
- Connect 24 aims to modernise digital infrastructure, improve transport systems, and ensure energy reliability to support round-the-clock business and service delivery.
- Fund 24 seeks to deepen financial inclusion by encouraging banks, microfinance institutions, and fintech firms to extend operational hours and expand access to credit and financial services.
- Aspire 24 focuses on human capital development, with a strong emphasis on youth skills training, entrepreneurship, and education to equip Ghanaians for emerging opportunities within the 24-hour economy.
- Go 24 will serve as the policy’s operational engine, coordinating implementation, performance monitoring, and evaluation to ensure efficiency and accountability.
President Mahama described the initiative as a “game-changer” in Ghana’s economic recovery efforts, adding that it will address youth unemployment, drive innovation, and stimulate inclusive growth.
