Ghana officials clarify 24-hour economy policy goals

Ghanaian officials are clarifying the objectives of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, stating it is a broad economic transformation strategy rather than a mandate for round-the-clock operations.

Labour Minister Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo addressed criticisms regarding the ‘1-in-3’ arrangement, where three workers share a single role across shifts. He emphasized that the policy’s primary goal is to energize the private sector and increase production, rather than simply rotating government employees or ministerial staff through night shifts.

Abdul-Nasser Alidu Suglo, Chief Programme Officer at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, added that the program aims to expand production, promote industrialization, and reduce reliance on imports. He noted that while businesses may eventually operate in shifts to meet rising demand, this would be an outcome of a stronger economy and increased productive capacity rather than the central purpose of the initiative itself.