Gov’t Projects $4 Billion for 24-Hour Economy Programme to Transform Ghana’s Development Landscape
The Government of Ghana has projected $4 billion for the rollout of its ambitious 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), a bold initiative aimed at transforming the country’s economic framework, boosting job creation, and positioning Ghana as a competitive production hub.
The programme, a flagship policy of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, is set to be officially launched on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, with an initial $300 to $400 million seed funding already committed by the government to attract significant private sector investment.
Speaking at a pre-launch press briefing in Accra on Monday, June 30, 2025, Mr. Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh, the President’s Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, revealed that the government’s investment would cover the “viability gap requirement,” making key infrastructure projects commercially attractive to private investors.
“The initial projected cost is about $4 billion. Of that, between $300 and $400 million will come from the government.
The rest will be mobilised from the private sector, and I’m happy to report that pledges are already nearing $2 billion,” Mr. Tanoh stated.
Programme Targets 1.7 Million Jobs
The 24H+ programme is designed to operate across strategic value chains, including agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and renewable energy, by promoting continuous production cycles beyond the conventional 8-hour workday.
The government aims to create 1.7 million jobs within four years, particularly for youth and women.
“This policy reflects the collective aspirations of Ghanaians,” Mr. Tanoh noted. “It is not just a partisan agenda, but a national development strategy shaped by extensive consultations across all regions.”
Mr. Tanoh called on Ghanaians to rally behind the programme, urging a national shift in mindset.
“The time has come for us to reject poverty and embrace the enormous economic potential we possess. Ghana is ready to work—24 hours a day—for a better future,” he declared.
Explaining the concept to the media, Dr. Abdul-Nasser Alidu, Head of Strategy and Programmes at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, highlighted the urgency of the reforms.
“Ghana has experienced economic growth, but it is not translating into jobs,” he said. “In the 1990s, a 10% GDP growth rate generated about 7% job growth. Today, that same growth produces only 2% employment gains. The 24H+ programme will fix this disconnect and ensure growth brings prosperity to ordinary Ghanaians.”
Key Pillars of the 24H+ Programme
The programme features eight integrated sub-programmes which includes Grow24 that focuses on transforming agriculture and agribusiness, promotes 24-hour industrial production and manufacturing.
The Build24 is to support infrastructure projects like roads, energy, and logistics and Fund24 – provides innovative financing models and capital access.
Other components include Trade24, Serve24, Tech24, and Skill24, designed to support export development, service sector expansion, technology adoption, and workforce training, respectively.
To attract investment and encourage 24-hour operations, the government will introduce a series of incentives, including: Tax rebates of up to 50% for businesses operating round-the-clock. Import duty waivers for machinery and inputs and export performance bonuses for companies that hit productivity targets.
The official launch event will showcase the vision behind the 24H+ initiative, with presentations from policymakers, economists, and private sector leaders, alongside interactive sessions and testimonials from successful pilot projects implemented in selected industrial zones.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
About Author
