“The 24-Hour Economy Will Unlock Full Employment and Growth” — Mahama
President Mahama explains how the 24-hour economy will transform Ghana’s productivity and create jobs
- The 24-Hour Economy is both a long-term vision and a practical programme for Ghana’s growth
- It aims to boost productivity by operating multiple shifts around the clock
- The policy focuses on restructuring the economy toward higher output
President John Dramani Mahama has shed light on the purpose behind his signature 24-Hour Economy initiative, describing it as both an ambitious long-term goal and a detailed programme designed to revolutionize Ghana’s productive sectors.
Speaking with stakeholders in Accra, Mahama offered a “clear lens” for Ghanaians to grasp the full scope of the policy.
“Let me start by clarifying that the 24-hour economy is both a destination and a programme,” he stated.
As a destination, the vision imagines Ghana operating nonstop—day and night—to fully optimize productivity, infrastructure, and human resources by running multiple shifts. This approach aims to boost capital efficiency while driving the nation towards full employment and inclusive growth.
“In this envisioned state, Ghana’s productivity and capital use will be so advanced that we will run multiple shifts across day and night, maximizing returns on infrastructure, manpower, and innovation,” Mahama explained.
He highlighted that the concept captured public attention during the 2024 elections and remains a cornerstone of his agenda for economic transformation.
As a programme, the 24-Hour Economy calls for a profound restructuring of Ghana’s economic systems, with a focus on expanding production volume and diversifying products.
“We must overhaul our production frameworks from the ground up—raising output and variety—and move away from depending mainly on raw materials to exporting value-added goods like processed foods, pharmaceuticals, clothing, industrial components, and digital services,” he noted.
Mahama emphasized that this initiative is more than a slogan; it is a practical, strategic roadmap that requires careful planning and investment to redefine Ghana’s economic future.
While the 24-Hour Economy concept has sparked lively national discussions—praised for its job creation potential and industry modernization, yet scrutinized for challenges in implementation and energy supply—Mahama remains committed to making it a reality.
