Ghana Launches 24-Hour Economy Authority to Boost Jobs

Ghana is betting big on keeping its economy running 24/7, and now it has the legal framework to make it happen.

President John Mahama signed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill into law on Thursday, officially creating a new government body designed to coordinate round-the-clock business operations across the country. The signing came just before a cabinet meeting, marking a major milestone for one of his administration's flagship economic policies.

"Cabinet colleagues, I just appended my signature to give assent to the 24-hour Authority Bill," Mahama told his team. "Ghanaian investors are waiting, foreign investors are waiting."

The new Authority will act as a central coordinator, bringing together businesses, government agencies, and infrastructure planners to support companies that want to operate overnight shifts. Parliament passed the bill on February 6 after extensive debate between political parties.

Ghana faces real economic challenges that this policy aims to tackle. The country relies heavily on exporting raw materials at low prices while importing expensive finished goods. By encouraging businesses to maximize their production capacity around the clock, officials hope to create more jobs for young people while making Ghana's economy more competitive.

The Authority will offer a package of incentives to businesses willing to extend their operating hours. It will also work to ensure the necessary infrastructure like reliable electricity, transportation, and security are in place to support overnight operations.

The Ripple Effect

The impact could reach far beyond individual businesses. Manufacturing plants, service companies, and export-focused businesses that operate continuously can hire multiple shifts of workers, potentially doubling or tripling their workforce. This approach has worked in other countries where 24-hour economies created millions of jobs in industries from customer service to manufacturing.

The Authority will focus on transforming production systems, supply chains, and workforce development across the country. By mobilizing both domestic and foreign investment, Ghana hopes to move away from its dependence on selling raw cocoa, gold, and other unprocessed materials, instead developing industries that add value before export.

The policy was a key campaign promise during the 2024 elections, and Mahama emphasized that his government took time to ensure proper legal groundwork before implementation. Now the hard work of turning strategy into reality begins, with businesses eager to see what incentives will be available and how quickly the infrastructure support will materialize.

Ghana is ready to work around the clock.