Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed his commitment to a private sector-led approach in the implementation of the 24-Hour+ Economy program. Speaking at a stakeholder engagement session in Accra, Mahama emphasized that while the government will create the enabling environment, it will not dominate or control the process.
“The 24-Hour+ Economy will be driven by the private sector. Government’s role is to facilitate, provide support and incentives, but not to interfere or micromanage,” Mahama stated. “We are committed to fostering a productive partnership that ensures sustainability and economic growth.”
The 24-Hour+ initiative, one of the flagship programs in Mahama’s 2024 campaign, is aimed at stimulating economic activity around the clock by supporting businesses to operate across multiple shifts — particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and services. The program is expected to boost employment, enhance productivity, and make better use of national infrastructure.
Incentives for Participation
Under the policy, private enterprises that adopt night and weekend shifts will receive a range of incentives including:
Tax breaks and exemptions
Access to low-interest credit facilities
Preferential electricity tariffs for off-peak operations
Streamlined regulatory approvals and land access
Mahama assured stakeholders that the program will be implemented through collaboration, not coercion.
“Participation will be voluntary and driven by business opportunity,” he said. “We’ll provide the tools, but entrepreneurs must bring the drive.”
Institutional Support and Legislative Framework
To coordinate the program’s roll-out, an independent 24-Hour Economy Secretariat will be established. The secretariat will work with district-level task forces to tailor implementation to local strengths and needs. Legislation to support the creation and oversight of this body is expected to be introduced in the early months of Mahama’s prospective administration.
“This will not be another political slogan. There will be a robust framework, anchored in law, to ensure continuity, accountability, and measurable outcomes,” Mahama noted.
Sectoral Focus and Youth Empowerment
Key sectors targeted include agro-processing, light manufacturing, tourism, digital services, healthcare, and logistics. A sub-initiative dubbed “Aspire24” will be launched to train and connect young professionals to emerging 24-hour job opportunities.
Mahama added that the program aligns with the broader vision of transforming Ghana into a resilient, industrialised economy.
By : Isaac Fiifi Klotey Mensah