Head of Strategy and Programmes at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, Abdul-Nasser Alidu, has highlighted the urgency of restructuring Ghana’s economy.
He assured the 24-hour economy of the creation of jobs, especially for Ghanaians.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the official launch of the 24 Economy programme in Accra on Monday, June 30, he said, “Despite growth, job creation has stagnated. In the 1990s, a 10 per cent GDP growth improved employment by 7 per cent. Today, it’s just 2 per cent.”
He added, “The 24H+ programme will ensure growth translates into prosperity for Ghanaians, not external systems.”
Key components of the initiative include eight integrated sub-programmes: Grow24 (agriculture), Make24 (manufacturing), Build24 (infrastructure), and Fund24 (financing), among others. Incentives for businesses include tax rebates of up to 50% for round-the-clock operations, import duty waivers, and export performance bonuses.
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The Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Mr. Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh, disclosed the figures during a press briefing today ahead of the official launch.
“The initial projected cost is about $4 billion. Of that, $300 to $400 million will come from government to support the viability gap requirement, ensuring bulk infrastructure is commercially sound and attractive to private investors,” he said.
He added that the remaining funds would be mobilised through private sector commitments, with potential pledges already nearing $2 billion.
The programme, a flagship policy of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, is designed to integrate agriculture, industry, finance, and infrastructure into a cohesive system operating beyond traditional hours. It targets the creation of 1.7 million jobs within four years, with a focus on strategic value chains such as agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.
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Dr. Tanoh emphasised the policy’s inclusive nature, noting it reflects “the collective aspirations of Ghanaians, beyond partisan considerations.”
He revealed that extensive nationwide consultations had shaped the final document to address citizens’ needs. “The time has come for Ghanaians to reject poverty and work towards realising our vast economic potential,” he stated.
