Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang says the government is taking steps to ensure that essential public services, including ports regulatory agencies, courts, and licensing bodies function efficiently to support businesses operating under its flagship 24-Hour Economy policy.

She made the remarks at the 14th AGI Ghana Industry and Quality Awards held on November 29, 2025. The annual event, organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), celebrates excellence and promotes competitiveness within the industrial sector.

According to the Vice President, the 24-Hour Economy initiative has already boosted productivity and youth employment in pilot areas such as the Tema Light Manufacturing Belt.

“In pilot zones such as Tema light Manufacturing belt, 24-hour operations have already recorded significant increases in output and youth employment in night shifts. Furthermore, to support this shift we are working to provide critical public services on a continuous basis.

“We plan for ports, regulatory agencies, even courts and licensing bodies to match the continuing needs of our industrial cycle,” she said.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang added that the government is prioritising value addition in key sectors including agriculture and pharmaceuticals to improve Ghana’s competitiveness in global markets.

“With the inauguration of the accelerated export development advisory committee chaired by the President, government is transforming Ghana into a leading export economy. Under the program, we are prioritizing value addition and diversification."

She noted that the government is targeting growth in major value chains such as cassava, tomatoes, palm oil, textiles, and pharmaceuticals to produce globally competitive finished goods.

“To support this, the government is investing in our logistics, modernizing imports, expanding transport infrastructure and operationalizing inland ports like Boankra,” she added.