The Secretariat of the 24-Hour Economy programme has dismissed assertions that the policy has not yielded results, asserting that it has progressed beyond mere planning and is actively generating investment commitments, enhancing round-the-clock services, and bolstering industrial activity.
The Secretariat reported that the programme had secured Joint Development Agreements valued at $5.5 billion with co-development partners as of May 2026, while 268 filling stations and 33 manufacturing companies have commenced operations under the initiative’s multi-shift model.
This statement was made in response to remarks from Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, who questioned the achievements of the 24-Hour Economy since its inception and suggested that substantial public resources had been allocated without evident outcomes.
The Secretariat emphasized that the programme’s success should be evaluated based on the investments mobilized, production capacity established, exports generated, and anticipated job creation, rather than direct government expenditure.
“The appropriate measure is the investment the Programme mobilizes along with the production, exports, and jobs it generates,” stated the Secretariat.
It further indicated that the programme aims to create 1.7 million decent jobs by the end of 2028, with four agreements signed in the last 90 days alone projected to generate over 160,000 direct jobs.
Additionally, the Secretariat refuted claims that the programme had utilized a portion of the GH¢650 billion allocated by Parliament for government initiatives over the past two years, clarifying that this amount represents the total national budget allocation and does not pertain to expenditures related to the 24-Hour Economy.
“The GHS 650 billion referenced by Hon. Oppong Nkrumah is the total appropriated by Parliament for all government programmes over the past two years. It does not reflect the expenditures incurred by or on the 24-Hour Economy,” it stated.
According to the Secretariat, the initiative is designed to revolve around private-sector investment, with both Ghanaian and foreign enterprises anticipated to fund the majority of projects. The government’s role, as stated, is confined to project preparation, viability gap financing, and coordination activities.
“Nearly all of the projects are financed by private investors: both Ghanaian and foreign companies, as well as cooperatives,” the statement indicated.
The Secretariat emphasized several projects within the program, such as the $1.45 billion Buipe solar and battery initiative, which is projected to produce 1,500 megawatts of electricity and generate approximately 13,000 jobs, along with the $250 million Kambonwule oil palm complex, expected to create 120,000 jobs upon reaching maturity.
It noted that other public entities, including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Ghana Publishing Company, and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, have also implemented 24-hour services.
The Secretariat explained that the gradual implementation of the program is intentional, enabling the government to secure investment partners, prepare viable projects, and tackle issues related to land, infrastructure, and dependable power supply.
It asserted that the effects of the policy will become increasingly apparent through enhanced factory operations, new investments, job creation, and increased production for both domestic use and export.
