President John Dramani Mahama has offered a detailed explanation of his flagship 24-Hour economy policy, positioning it as both a long-term national objective and a comprehensive framework for revitalising Ghana’s productive sectors.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Accra, Mahama described the initiative as “both a destination and a programme,” urging Ghanaians to view the policy through a more informed and strategic lens.
“Let me begin by offering a clear lens to understand the 24-hour vision. It is both a destination and a programme,” he said.

He explained that, as a destination, the policy envisions a future in which Ghana operates on a continuous, round-the-clock basis, enhancing productivity, optimising infrastructure use, and maximizing human capital through shift-based work structures.

This approach, he said, would significantly improve capital efficiency and move the country toward full employment and inclusive economic growth.
“As a destination, the 24-hour economy reflects a state where Ghana’s productivity and capital utilisation will become so high that we will operate in multiple shifts across day and night, maximizing the return on infrastructure, human resources, and innovation,” he noted.

He noted that the idea gained widespread attention during the 2024 election campaign and continues to serve as a central pillar of his broader economic transformation agenda.

As a programme, Mahama emphasised, the 24-hour economy demands deep and deliberate restructuring of Ghana’s economic systems.

He called for a complete overhaul of the country’s production base to increase output and diversify products, with a shift from raw material exports to value-added goods and services.

“We must reengineer our productive systems from top to bottom, boosting volumes and diversity and shift from reliance on raw materials towards the export of value-added products, wholesome foods, pharmaceuticals, garments, industrial inputs, and digital services,” he said.

Mahama asserted that the policy is not a mere campaign slogan but a detailed roadmap requiring strategic planning, investment, and commitment to reshape Ghana’s economic future.