Ghana’s government has taken a major step in transforming the nation’s economy with the cabinet’s approval of legislation establishing a statutory 24-Hour Economy Authority.
The new authority is part of a broader initiative to boost productivity, create jobs, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in global exports.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the approval during a visit to the Ghana Publishing Company on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of this legislation in coordinating businesses operating around the clock.  The 2026 national budget has allocated more than 100 million cedis for the authority’s activities.
The proposed authority will replace the current 24-Hour Economy Secretariat and serve as the central regulatory body for businesses extending their operating hours. Once the legislation is passed in Parliament, participating companies will be able to register and access incentives such as tax breaks, financing opportunities, and technical support.
Launched in July 2025, the 24-Hour Economy policy aims to drive structural change in Ghana’s economy by encouraging innovation and investment in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and services.
Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, highlighted the need for patience in the full implementation of the policy.
He stressed that transforming the economy from an 8-hour to a 24-hour workday requires extensive legislative and structural changes, which are already underway.
The government has also amended the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act and the Labour Act to support the new model while safeguarding worker rights. The Ministry of Interior has set up a dedicated policing unit to ensure security across the country’s extended operations.
Early adopters, such as the Ghana Publishing Company and ports in Tema and Takoradi, have already reported significant benefits, including increased revenue and improved trade efficiency.
Meanwhile, the policy has received international backing, with the World Bank’s Robert Taliercio O’Brien predicting it could help reduce poverty and triple per capita income in the long term.
However, analysts caution that successful implementation will require careful evaluation of infrastructure readiness, workforce capacity, and energy provision.
Many small and medium enterprises have expressed concerns about the increased costs associated with extended hours, including higher electricity bills, staffing needs, and security.
To address these challenges, collaboration across multiple sectors will be essential for the policy’s success.
As Ghana moves forward with this transformative initiative, the 24-Hour Economy policy is poised to become a cornerstone of national productivity, job creation, and export diversification. Investors, policymakers, and industry leaders will closely monitor its impact on the economy throughout 2026 and beyond.