24-Hour Economy Secretariat Not Responsible for Round-the-Clock Markets, Says Goosie Tanoh

Goosie Tanoh, who leads Ghana's 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, has clarified that the initiative is not tasked with establishing or managing 24-hour retail markets across the country, distancing the secretariat from responsibility for such commercial ventures.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the government's broader economic agenda and the various projects falling under different institutional mandates. Tanoh's clarification suggests potential confusion about what the secretariat's core functions actually entail and which agencies bear responsibility for different aspects of Ghana's economic development strategy.

Understanding the 24-Hour Economy Initiative

Ghana's 24-Hour Economy Secretariat was established as part of the government's broader push to modernise the country's economic landscape and boost productivity. The initiative is designed to encourage businesses and economic activities to extend beyond traditional operating hours, potentially creating more employment opportunities and stimulating consumer spending across various sectors.

However, Tanoh's recent remarks make clear that the secretariat's remit does not extend to directly developing or operating round-the-clock market infrastructure. This distinction is important for understanding where responsibility lies for such projects and which government bodies should be approached regarding market development.

What This Means for Ghana's Markets and Economy

The clarification has implications for traders, business owners, and local government authorities who may have assumed the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat was the appropriate contact point for establishing or expanding 24-hour market facilities. Instead, responsibility likely falls to other agencies such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry, metropolitan and municipal assemblies, or other relevant authorities managing commercial infrastructure.

For Ghana's informal sector and market traders, understanding which government body oversees what remains crucial for accessing support, permits, and infrastructure improvements. The distinction between policy promotion and direct project implementation helps clarify the different roles within Ghana's economic governance structure.

The secretariat's focus appears to centre on creating the enabling environment and policy framework for 24-hour economic activities, rather than on the physical construction or management of market spaces. This approach aligns with how many government secretariats operate—setting direction and coordinating across agencies rather than directly executing every project aligned with their mandate.

The Broader Context

Ghana's push toward a 24-hour economy reflects global trends where cities and nations seek to maximise productivity and economic output by encouraging extended business hours. The concept has proven successful in various jurisdictions, potentially boosting nighttime economies and creating opportunities for shift-based employment.

However, implementing such changes in Ghana requires coordination across multiple government levels and agencies, each with distinct roles. The secretariat's clarification underscores the importance of citizens and businesses understanding which institution oversees which functions—a challenge common in large governance structures where mandates can overlap or appear unclear.

As Ghana continues developing its economic strategies, clearer communication about institutional responsibilities will likely be essential for effective implementation and preventing mixed signals to the business community and general public about where to seek support or lodge concerns regarding specific projects.