By Maxwell Adu-Donkor
Not long ago, the government announced a bold idea: the 24-Hour Economy policy. The aim is to keep some parts of the economy running day and night, create more jobs, and help businesses work more efficiently. But while this sounds exciting, it also brings up an important question: Is Ghana ready for this big step right now?
Let’s break it down.
The plan
The plan behind the 24-Hour Economy is to keep businesses and services open around the clock. The government says some sectors like factories, farming, tourism, health, and transportation could operate in three shifts: morning, evening, and night, just like what happens in some developed countries. The idea is that this will increase productivity and create more jobs.
To make this work, the government is promising some support. For example, they say they will reduce taxes and electricity costs for companies that work at night. There are also plans to set up special industrial areas, such as Wumbei Parks in the north and Agbleduwo Parks in the south, where businesses will have good roads, reliable power, and proper security to run smoothly 24/7. Some government offices, like the DVLA and the Passport Office, have already started offering services 24/7.
Workable?
It all sounds great. But the big question remains: Can this really work in Ghana now?
Ghana still faces a number of challenges. Yes, unemployment is a major problem. And yes, the cedi has been fairly stable lately, and our electricity supply has improved. But is that enough?
Running a 24-hour economy is not just about keeping the lights on at night. It needs strong systems to support it. Workers will need safe and reliable transportation at night. Streets need proper lighting. There must be enough police officers to keep people safe. Companies also need to trust that power won’t go off suddenly while machines are running. And hospitals must be ready for emergencies at any hour. Are we there yet?
Private sector
Also, this policy depends a lot on private businesses, not just the government. Unlike education, where most secondary schools are owned by the state (so Free SHS could be rolled out more easily), many sectors like fuel stations, factories, and shops, are owned by individuals or companies. For example, apart from GOIL, most filling stations in Ghana (like Total, Shell, Dukes Petroleum, etc.) are privately owned. So for this to work, the government must work hand in hand with these businesses. They can’t just force it.
That said, rolling out the policy slowly, one step at a time, could help. Maybe it could begin in bigger cities like Accra, Kumasi, or Tema, where the infrastructure is better. That way, the government can fix any problems as they go and then extend it to other areas.
Systems thinking
Finally, from a planning perspective, this initiative aligns with the idea of systems thinking—a principle in rational planning theory. It emphasizes that solving one issue can create ripple effects that address others. For example, if more night-shift jobs are created, employment improves, incomes increase, and consumer spending may rise, boosting economic growth. But for that chain to work, every part needs to be ready and play its role effectively.
So, is Ghana ready? In some ways, yes. We’ve made progress. But we still need to prepare more, especially in terms of infrastructure, safety, and strong partnerships with businesses.
In the end, the 24-hour economy is a good idea. But it needs time, planning, and strong systems to succeed. It’s not just about staying awake longer—it’s about working smarter, not just harder, as a country.
The writer, Maxwell Adu-Donkor, is a final-year student at the University of Ghana, majoring in Geography and Resource Development and Archaeology. He is passionate about institutional reform, public policy, and national development.
Email: adumaxwell742@gmail.com
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