Ghana’s newly established 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat has set a target of creating 200,000 jobs in 2026, marking the first measurable milestone of the government’s flagship economic programme.
The initiative forms part of a broader four-year plan aimed at generating about 1.7 million jobs through industrial and agro-processing projects already under development.
Officials say the policy seeks to transform Ghana into a productivity-driven economy by enabling round-the-clock operations in key sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and services.
Strategic sectors
According to official policy documentation, industries expected to operate continuously under the programme include agro-processing, construction, financial services, retail, transportation, and digital technology, among others.
The government argues that expanding operational hours will increase output, improve export competitiveness, and create sustainable employment while stabilizing the national currency.
Criticism and feasibility concerns
However, critics say structural challenges could undermine implementation.
A policy analyst recently warned that inadequate electricity supply and security capacity could derail the initiative, citing a decline in Ghana’s power reserve margin to about 9.2 percent.
“There is no power to sustain this so-called 24-hour economy,” the analyst argued, cautioning that insufficient infrastructure could weaken public confidence in the reform.
Political stakes
The policy is widely seen as a defining test for the administration, with analysts describing it as a central pillar of Ghana’s economic reset agenda.
If successfully implemented, economists say the programme could expand industrial capacity, reduce unemployment, and position Ghana as a regional production hub.
