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4 clusters · 8 sources · 25 days · First seen · Last updated

Ghanaian business concerns and evolution of 24-Hour Economy

Overview

Business leaders in Ghana have expressed concerns regarding the implementation of the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme. Mark Badu-Aboagye, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, warned that the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review lacked the necessary concrete backing to support the initiative, citing high financing costs and electricity prices as barriers to investment. Seth Twum Akwaboah, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), has urged the government to prioritize substantive policy design and consultative development over slogans. While noting that recent engagements have provided more clarity, Akwaboah cautioned that the policy requires sustained work to achieve practical results, comparing the necessary rollout process to the One District, One Factory initiative. In response to these discussions, the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat is reframing the programme as a production and industrial strategy rather than a mandate for extended working hours. The strategy aims to expand productive capacity by connecting agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and services to address structural weaknesses. The goal is to unlock underutilized capacity by ensuring businesses have access to reliable power, finance, and raw materials. To support this, proposals such as a National Productive Hours Framework (NPHF) have been suggested. This framework would involve creating approved labour directories, allowing employers to access qualified, vetted workers on an as-needed basis to provide flexible labour and quicker income access for young workers. Government officials have further clarified that the policy is a broad economic transformation strategy intended to energize the private sector and reduce import reliance. Labour Minister Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo addressed criticisms regarding the ‘1-in-3’ shift arrangement, emphasizing that the goal is to increase production rather than simply rotating government staff through night shifts.

Entities

Ghana · 24-Hour Economy Secretariat · Mark Badu‑Aboagye · Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry · Abdul-Nasser Alidu Suglo

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Ghana officials clarify 24-hour economy policy goals

    Ghanaian officials clarify that the 24-hour economy policy focuses on private sector industrialization and economic transformation rather than simply mandating night shifts for workers.

  2. 6 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Ghana reframes 24-Hour Economy as industrial production strategy

    Ghana is reframing its 24-Hour Economy programme as a production-led strategy to boost industrial output, modernize agriculture, and create jobs through expanded economic activity and improved labour access.

  3. 15 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Association of Ghana Industries urges concrete action on 24-Hour Economy policy

    The Association of Ghana Industries urges the government to focus on concrete actions and consultation to ensure the success of the 24-Hour Economy policy.

  4. 28 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Ghana Chamber CEO warns government of missed 24‑Hour Economy opportunity

    Ghana Chamber CEO Mark Badu‑Aboagye criticises the 2026 Mid‑Year Budget for ignoring the 24‑Hour Economy plan, warning that high financing costs and lack of implementation risk missing a key economic boost.

Sources

adomonline.com · chale.news · ghanaguardian.com · myjoyonline.com · norvanreports.com · opemsuo.com · theghanareport.com · thehighstreetjournal.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history