24-Hour Economy Driving Growth – Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang Reports
Pilot industrial zones report higher output and night-shift employment as Ghana advances its 24-Hour Economy policy
- Tema pilot zones see higher output and night-shift jobs.
- Government boosts support for industries and exports.
- AGI calls for fair competition and stricter enforcement.
Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative is beginning to deliver tangible results, with pilot industrial zones recording higher production and expanded night-shift employment, Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has announced.
Addressing the 14th Ghana Industry and Quality Awards in Accra on November 30, the Vice-President described the initiative as a key policy of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, aimed at boosting productivity, creating jobs, and enhancing economic activity.
“In areas such as the Tema Light Manufacturing Belt, 24-hour operations have significantly increased output and night-shift employment,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said. “This model maximises capacity, optimises resources, and generates new employment opportunities.”
The Ghana Industry and Quality Awards, organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and supported by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI), recognise outstanding performance across sectors. Award winners included Nestlé Ghana Ltd, Honeycomb Foods Ltd, Pioneer Business Investments Ltd, and others.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted that the 24-Hour Economy is part of a broader industrialisation strategy to enhance Ghana’s economic resilience and competitiveness. The policy encourages round-the-clock operations for manufacturers, supported by continuous public services, including ports, regulatory agencies, and licensing bodies.
Acknowledging ongoing challenges, such as inconsistent power supply and high utility costs, the Vice-President assured the private sector of government support through improved access to raw materials, preferential procurement of local products, and enhanced export opportunities facilitated by infrastructure upgrades like the Boankra Inland Port.
Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare emphasised that regulatory reforms and digitalisation of trade processes are reducing delays and improving transparency, making it easier for businesses to operate. She urged manufacturers and exporters to embrace these reforms, noting government efforts to promote locally made products.
Outgoing AGI President Dr Humphrey Ayim Darke stressed that fair competition, market integrity, and enforcement against substandard imports are critical for the 24-Hour Economy to succeed. He called for coordinated action among regulators to safeguard local industries.
