By Lord Fiifi Quayle 

Eleven months ago, the promise of a 24-hour economy was the centerpiece of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign, a bold vision articulated by former President John Dramani Mahama who is now President of the Republic of Ghana. It was presented not merely as a policy, but as a paradigm shift. A commitment to maximize national productivity by encouraging and incentivising businesses to operate in three eight hour shifts, thereby creating jobs and accelerating economic growth.

The message was potent, resonating with a populace tired of high unemployment and economic stagnation. Yet, as with many ambitious political slogans, the initial explanation was often criticized for being vague and undefined, leaving the public to wonder whether it was a concrete strategy or simply a catchy phrase designed to win an election.

Nearly a year later, the question remains: Has Ghana’s 24-hour economy moved from the realm of political rhetoric into tangible reality, or has it been relegated to the graveyard of unfulfilled campaign promises? The answer, as is often the case in Ghanaian politics, is complex, layered with political maneuvering, initial implementation efforts, and significant structural challenges.

The Evolution from Slogan to “24H+”

The most significant development in the past 11 months is the transition of the concept from a campaign pledge to a formal government program. Following the NDC’s electoral success, the initiative was rebranded and formalized as the “24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme” (24H+). This move, while providing a much needed structure, also introduced a political dimension, with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) often dismissing the original concept as a simplistic slogan.

The official narrative, as detailed in government documents, suggests a rapid and structured implementation phase. Key milestones cited include:

*   Institutional Framework: The establishment of a dedicated Secretariat, with plans to transition into the more autonomous 24H+ Authority.

*   Infrastructure Focus: Identification of over 50 potential projects, with a strong emphasis on addressing the foundational challenge of power supply through new solar and biomass projects aimed at providing cheaper, reliable electricity.

*   Incentive Structure: The introduction of a clear incentive framework, including tax rebates (10% for two shifts, 20% for three shifts), duty free import of essential machinery, and time of use power tariffs to reward continuous operation.

*   Private Sector Buy-in: Reports of nearly 200 formal applications from Ghanaian enterprises and cooperatives seeking to participate in the readiness program, suggesting a degree of private sector enthusiasm.

This structured approach, with its focus on project management and institutional setup, suggests a genuine attempt to implement the policy. However, a critical analysis reveals that much of the progress remains in the planning and feasibility stages.

Structural Hurdles and Financial Skepticism

For critics, the progress report is less a testament to success and more a checklist of preparatory steps that should have been completed before the policy was launched. The core argument against the 24H+ program centers on two major, interconnected structural hurdles: security and energy reliability.

1. The Security Imperative

A 24-hour economy fundamentally requires citizens and businesses to feel safe operating at night. Ghana’s current security infrastructure, particularly in commercial and industrial areas outside the major city centers, is widely considered inadequate to support a round-the-clock economy.

“You can incentivize a business with tax breaks all you want, but if the owner fears for the safety of their staff and assets at 2 a.m., they will not open. The 24-hour economy is a security policy first and an economic policy second.” Commentator on Ghanaian economic policy

While the government has acknowledged this, with plans to enhance police patrols and lighting, the tangible, nationwide improvement in night-time security remains a slow and costly endeavor.

2. Financial and Implementation Metrics

A review by the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) highlighted concerns regarding the program’s financial forecast and implementation metrics. The policy’s success hinges on a massive, coordinated investment across multiple sectors from logistics and transport to healthcare and public services to support the night time workforce.

The proposed financial mechanisms, such as the GHS 1 billion 24H+ Equity Fund and the USD 2 billion non collateral credit guarantee facility, are ambitious but have yet to fully materialize and demonstrate impact. Skeptics argue that without a clear, ring fenced budget and a robust monitoring framework, the initiative risks becoming a fragmented collection of projects rather than a cohesive economic transformation.

Beyond the Slogan, But Not Yet a Reality

Eleven months into the post campaign period, the 24 hour economy is no longer just a slogan. It has been given a name, a secretariat, a blueprint, and a set of incentives. This formalization is a significant step forward, demonstrating that the political will to pursue the idea exists.

However, the reality on the ground for the average Ghanaian business owner or worker has seen little change. The transformation of Ghana’s economy into a continuous, three-shift operation is a monumental task that requires overcoming deep seated issues of security, infrastructure, and financing.

The current phase is best described as “pre-implementation readiness.” The foundation is being laid, but the true test the actual, widespread adoption of 24-hour operations by the private sector is yet to come. Until the government can guarantee the safety of night time workers and the reliable, affordable power to run their machines, the 24H+ program will remain a promising blueprint, a testament to a powerful campaign message that is still struggling to become a national reality.

GHANA MUST WORK AGAIN