24-Hour Economy: Jobs or Just Promises?
BY; Regina Bless
Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy has been presented as one of the government’s flagship strategies for transforming the economy, creating jobs and increasing productivity. But as implementation unfolds, an important question remains: will the policy generate meaningful employment, or will it become another political promise that fails to meet public expectations?
The idea behind a 24-hour economy is straightforward. By encouraging selected businesses and industries to operate in shifts around the clock, the government hopes to expand production, create additional employment opportunities and make better use of Ghana’s infrastructure and productive capacity.
For a country struggling with youth unemployment and underemployment, the appeal is obvious. Many young Ghanaians are looking for stable jobs, while businesses often face challenges that limit their ability to expand. If properly implemented, a 24-hour production system could allow companies to increase output while creating opportunities for workers across different shifts.
But the success of the policy will depend on more than announcing incentives or encouraging businesses to extend their operating hours.
Jobs must be measurable
The strongest test of the 24-hour economy will be the number and quality of jobs it actually creates.
Ghanaians will want to know how many people have been employed, which sectors are benefiting and whether the jobs provide sustainable incomes. Temporary opportunities or positions created only on paper will not address the underlying employment challenge.
The government therefore needs clear targets and regular public reporting. If thousands of jobs are promised, citizens should be able to track how many have actually been created and where those opportunities exist.
Businesses need the right conditions
A successful 24-hour economy also requires a business environment capable of supporting round-the-clock operations.
Reliable electricity, efficient transport systems, security, access to finance and predictable regulations will be crucial. A factory cannot operate profitably throughout the night if power interruptions, high operating costs or poor logistics make production unreliable.
The same applies to workers. Public transport and security arrangements must support people travelling to and from work during late-night and early-morning hours.
Without these foundations, businesses may have little incentive to adopt a 24-hour production model.
Beyond government employment
Another important consideration is that the policy should not be viewed simply as a government job-creation programme.
The private sector will have to play a major role. Manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, logistics, tourism, ICT and other productive sectors could potentially benefit from extended operating hours.
Government’s responsibility should therefore include creating incentives and removing barriers that make it commercially viable for businesses to employ more workers and increase production.
The risk of political slogans
There is also a legitimate concern that the 24-hour economy could become a slogan rather than a measurable economic transformation.
Ghana has witnessed several ambitious policies over the years that generated significant public enthusiasm at the announcement stage but struggled during implementation. The lesson is clear: policies must be judged by results, not rhetoric.
The government will need to demonstrate that the 24-hour economy is producing tangible improvements in employment, productivity, business growth and household incomes.
Young people are watching
Perhaps the greatest expectation rests with Ghana’s youth.
For many young people, the debate is not about political branding or economic theory. It is about finding a decent job, earning an income and building a future.
If the 24-hour economy creates thousands of sustainable jobs, expands businesses and stimulates investment, it could become an important tool for addressing Ghana’s employment challenge.
But if implementation is slow, poorly monitored or disconnected from the needs of businesses and workers, disappointment will inevitably follow.
The verdict will be in the numbers
Ultimately, the question of whether Ghana’s 24-hour economy is about jobs or just promises cannot be answered through speeches.
It will be answered through employment figures, new businesses, increased production, higher investment and improved incomes.
The policy has potential, but potential alone is not enough. Ghanaians deserve clear timelines, measurable targets and regular accountability.
The government has made the promise. Now the numbers must prove it.