The 24-hour economy was one of the major flagship programmes of President John Mahama during his campaign in 2024. However, following his assumption of power, not much has been heard about the program's roll-out, but in a few state-owned enterprises, such as the Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL).

Many have questioned the viability of the programmes, raising financial concerns, while others have called it a hoax; however, Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, has stated that the programme would be fully operational by the end of 2026.

He made this known during an interview on Nhyira FM on Thursday, January 8. He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the policy.

According to him, the implementation of the programme will be gradual and not a one-time event, as the long-standing eight-hour workday system will take some time to transition into the new round-the-clock shift arrangement.

“Changing the entire structure of an economy that has been in place for years, from an 8-hour to a 24-hour system, cannot happen in less than 12 months. It requires legislative measures and directives, and those processes are underway,” he stated.

He continued, “Everyone honest will see that progress is being made. Changing the structure of the economy is not a one-time event; it is a process that takes time to unfold. We are clearly on track, and by the end of this year, we expect to see the full impact of the 24-hour economy.”

About the 24-hour economy

The government's 24-hour economy policy, a key promise during President John Mahama's campaign in 2024, was launched today, Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

The policy’s objective is to enhance economic productivity by encouraging businesses to operate continuously, creating more job opportunities, boosting revenue generation, and improving service delivery.

Sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and financial services stand to benefit significantly from this model.

Presenting the policy to the Speaker of Parliament, Kingsford Sumana Alban Bagbin, last year, July, Mr Goosie Tanoh, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour economy policy, mentioned the move is to officially inform 'the people's representatives' about the government's readiness to roll out the programme.

On some details on the policy, Mr Goosie Tanoh said the programme is expanded into three anchors: "production transformation, supply chain and market efficiency, and human capital development." The three anchors, according to him, are supported by eight sub-programmes.

"Roll 24 - which is the agricultural component, Make 24 - which is the manufacturing component, Connect 24 - the supply chain component, Aspire 24 - which is the mindset change, the resetting of the Ghanaian and Ghanaian bureaucracy with a strong and powerful attitude to work and productivity,” he explained.

According to him, the government was set to include strong digital technology training in the TVET curriculum to train and equip an employable workforce with the requisite skills for employment opportunities.

Another component, dubbed 'Show Ghana,' is also set to focus on an intentional effort and approach by the government to give visibility to Ghana's rich cultural heritage to the rest of the world, to attract more tourists and increase revenue generation through tourism.

Speaker Alban Bagbin, in response, mentioned that the team’s arrival had been anticipated and his outfit would call on them for any clarity when the need be, urging the legislation to back the programme.

Earlier, President John Dramani Mahama stated that the 24-Hour Economy Policy is a long-term goal that will keep the country productive on a 24/7 basis, alongside stabilising the economy through the creation of more jobs.

According to him, the final draft of the policy has undergone review by him, and he is confident it will realise its objectives.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, noted that the Parliamentary Service will begin operating under the 24-hour economy policy.

This initiative, according to the Speaker, will enhance national productivity and address unemployment. He made this known during the presentation of the 24-hour economy policy document.

He bemoaned the lack of time to tackle the numerous tasks in Parliament and expressed optimism in addressing this issue with the 24-hour economy policy.

“This means they are going to work more hours; they will be reporting at 8:00 a.m. and may be going home at 10:00 p.m. or sometimes 11:00 p.m., particularly those in the official division of the House.

This will allow more people to work here and will help reduce unemployment. I can assure you that the load of work here is unimaginable,” Bagbin stated.