President John Dramani Mahama said his Cabinet has approved the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill for submission to Parliament,
This represents a major step forward in implementing his flagship economic policy that promises to transform Ghana’s productivity and job creation landscape.
Speaking at his maiden media encounter on Wednesday, eight months into his presidency, the president noted that key institutions have already begun operating around the clock, demonstrating early momentum in actualizing the 24-hour economy vision.
“Only yesterday, Cabinet approved for onwards submission to Parliament the 24-hour authority bill,” President Mahama declared. He added that key institutions are taking the lead in actualizing the 24-hour economy vision.
According to the President, the Ghana Publishing Company has transitioned to full 24-hour operations, while the Passport Office and Ghana’s foreign missions have rolled out round-the-clock services to expedite passport processing and improve service delivery.
He noted that both Tema and Takoradi ports are now operating 24 hours to boost trade efficiency and reduce congestion that has long plagued Ghana’s import and export activities.
Recognizing the security implications of extended economic activity, the President announced the establishment of a dedicated 24-hour economy policing secretariat by the Ministry of Interior to provide continuous security support across the country.
“To guarantee safety within this evolving ecosystem, a dedicated 24-hour economy policing secretariat has been established by the Ministry of Interior to provide continuous security support across the country,” he said.
The President revealed that Cabinet has approved amendments to two major pieces of legislation to accommodate the new economic model.
He explained that changes to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act and the Labour Act will implement new provisions that enable and regulate 24-hour economic activity.
“These legal reforms will ensure that businesses, investors and workers alike are supported by a framework that protects rights while encouraging innovation and growth,” President Mahama stated.
He said the amendments address worker protection concerns while creating incentives for businesses to extend their operational hours, particularly targeting micro, small and medium enterprises that form the backbone of Ghana’s economy.
Mahama noted that the 24-hour economy initiative connects directly to employment generation programs already underway.
He stated that the One Million Coders Programme is training thousands of young Ghanaians for digital jobs, preparing them to take advantage of opportunities created by extended business hours and global connectivity.
“This programme is equipping participants not just to access digital jobs but to create sustainable employment opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship and global ICT competitiveness,” Mahama explained.
The President revealed that the 24-hour economy concept extends to local development, with new expenditure guidelines for District Assembly Common Fund allocations requiring 25% of funds to support design and construction of “24-hour economy model markets.”
He said this represents a shift from traditional market structures toward facilities that can accommodate extended trading hours and modern commercial activities.
President Mahama positioned the 24-hour economy as more than extended operating hours, describing it as a tool for unlocking new productivity shifts and building a resilient, inclusive economy.
“This initiative is not just about keeping the lights on longer, it is about unlocking new shifts of productivity, widening access to jobs and building a resilient, inclusive economy that works for all,” he said.
He noted that the policy aims to modernize agriculture, boost micro, small and medium enterprises, and expand employment opportunities across key sectors of the economy.
With the legal framework now moving to Parliament and early implementation already showing results at major institutions, President Mahama said the 24-hour economy appears positioned to become a defining feature of his economic transformation agenda.
The President described these developments as “bold steps” that “signal a clear national commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and job-rich economy.”
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
