In an address marking his first 120 days in office, President John Mahama announced the official commencement of his flagship 24-Hour Economy Policy, a key pillar of his social contract with Ghanaians and a major step toward structural economic transformation and job creation.
The initiative, which formed a core part of his campaign promises, is designed to revamp key sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, by promoting continuous, round-the-clock productivity. According to President Mahama, the policy is already in motion and supported by critical institutional and legal reforms.
“We promised to commence drafting needed legal amendments and prepare for theirimplementation within the first 120 days,” the President noted in his address. “That promise has been fulfilled.”
To operationalise the initiative, a dedicated 24-Hour Economy Secretariat has been set up and is working in collaboration with the Development Bank Ghana and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund. These institutions will anchor the financing components necessary to support businesses transitioning to or expanding into 24-hour operations.
Additionally, the Cabinet has approved significant amendments to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act and the Labour Act. These revisions will introduce specific clauses to support 24-hour work structures while ensuring social protection, decent working conditions, and better business-labour relations.
“These amendments aim to enhance social protection, create an enabling environment for the 24-hour employment policy, and promote conducive business and labour relations,” the statement from the Presidency affirmed.
The President underscored that the early launch of the programme reflects his administration’s commitment to tackling unemployment head-on and setting Ghana on a path of sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
