Beyond the Clock: What Ghana's 24-Hour Economy Really Needs to Succeed

Ghana's ambitious 24-Hour Economy programme has the potential to transform the nation's industrial output and export capacity, but only if the government builds robust infrastructure and strengthens its manufacturing base first, according to Prof. Anthony Amoah, an applied economist at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency following the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, Prof. Amoah—who also serves as Dean of the School of Sustainable Development—emphasised that the initiative's success depends far more on effective implementation than simply extending working hours across businesses.

What the Programme Involves

Launched under the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review and formalised through the 24-Hour Economy Authority Act 2026, the programme aims to boost productivity, create jobs and expand Ghana's export footprint through continuous production systems. The government has already reported encouraging early adoption: 268 fuel stations, 11 bulk oil depots, two refineries, 33 manufacturing firms and 12 public institutions have begun multi-shift operations. A pipeline of over US$11.5 billion in prospective investments—including US$5.5 billion secured through Joint Development Agreements—is set to support industrialisation and exports.

Prof. Amoah acknowledged these developments as positive signals that the programme is moving beyond rhetoric towards concrete implementation. However, he cautioned that simply running factories around the clock without addressing underlying structural weaknesses could backfire.

The Critical Infrastructure Gap

For a 24-hour economy to function effectively, Ghana needs a comprehensive ecosystem that extends far beyond production floors. Prof. Amoah highlighted several essential components: reliable electricity supply, efficient transport networks, seamless logistics, accessible financing for businesses, adequate security for nighttime operations, clear labour regulations and sustained export demand.

He expressed particular concern about Ghana's constrained fiscal space. Although the country's macroeconomic environment has improved, ongoing fiscal consolidation limits government resources for critical infrastructure investments—precisely when the economy needs them most to support round-the-clock operations.

Small and medium-sized enterprises face compounding challenges: high production costs, expensive credit, limited access to long-term finance and inadequate infrastructure. Introducing additional production shifts without addressing these constraints risks increasing operating costs beyond any productivity gains, Prof. Amoah warned.

Why It Matters for Ghana

Ghana's export economy remains heavily dependent on a single commodity: gold. Despite a strong trade surplus in 2025 and the first half of 2026, this narrow export base leaves the country vulnerable to commodity price shocks. Prof. Amoah stressed that the 24-hour economy must be paired with genuine economic diversification—particularly into agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive components, digital services and processed minerals.

The integration of the Accelerated Export Development Programme with the 24-hour economy is strategically sound, he noted, since increased production must be matched by expanded markets. Ghana's position within the African Continental Free Trade Area presents a significant opportunity to redirect manufacturing output towards regional demand.

Labour market preparedness is equally critical. Multi-shift operations require skilled workers, rigorous occupational safety standards, reliable nighttime transport and fair compensation for employees working non-traditional hours. Without these safeguards, the programme risks creating precarious jobs rather than decent employment.

Prof. Amoah recommended a phased rollout approach, beginning in export-oriented industrial enclaves such as Tema, Takoradi, Kumasi and selected agro-processing corridors. This pilot strategy would allow policymakers to measure the initiative's real impact on productivity, employment and exports before scaling nationally.

The 24-hour economy represents one of Ghana's most ambitious industrial transformation strategies in recent decades. But ambition without foundations will not deliver results. Success requires patient, strategic investment in infrastructure, labour standards and export markets—alongside longer working hours.