24-Hour Economy Attracts $5.5bn Investment Commitments- Secretariat

The Secretariat overseeing Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy programme has defended the implementation of the policy, insisting that the initiative has progressed beyond planning into active implementation, with billions of dollars in investment commitments, expanded round-the-clock public services and increased industrial operations.

The Secretariat disclosed that, as of May 2026, the programme had secured Joint Development Agreements worth US$5.5 billion with co-development partners to support projects across key sectors of the economy. According to the Secretariat, 268 filling stations and 33 manufacturing companies are already operating under the programme’s multi-shift production model, marking what it described as significant progress in expanding economic activity beyond traditional working hours.

The clarification follows public concerns raised by Hon Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee over the programme’s impact since its launch, with questions being asked about the outcomes achieved and the level of public resources committed to the initiative.

Responding to the concerns, the Secretariat argued that the success of the programme should not be assessed by government expenditure but by the level of private investment attracted, production capacity created, exports generated and employment opportunities expected from the projects being implemented. It stated that the 24-Hour Economy is designed to create 1.7 million decent jobs by the end of 2028, adding that four development agreements signed within the last three months alone are projected to generate more than 160,000 direct jobs.

The Secretariat also dismissed suggestions that the programme had utilised funds from the approximately GH¢650 billion approved by Parliament for government expenditure over the past two years. It explained that the figure represents the country’s total budgetary appropriations for all government programmes and should not be interpreted as spending on the 24-Hour Economy initiative. Officials stressed that the programme is primarily driven by private-sector investment, with financing expected to come largely from Ghanaian and international investors, cooperatives and development partners. Government’s role, they explained, is focused on project preparation, coordination and limited support through viability gap financing where necessary.

Among the flagship projects highlighted under the initiative is the US$1.45 billion Buipe Solar and Battery Project, expected to produce 1,500 megawatts of electricity while creating approximately 13,000 jobs. Another major investment is the US$250 million Kambonwule Oil Palm Complex, which is projected to support about 120,000 jobs when fully developed.

The Secretariat further noted that several public institutions have expanded their operations to provide round-the-clock services as part of the policy. These include the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Ghana Publishing Company and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.

It explained that the phased implementation of the programme is intentional, allowing government and its partners sufficient time to mobilise investment, prepare commercially viable projects and resolve key challenges, including land acquisition, infrastructure development and reliable electricity supply.

The Secretariat expressed confidence that the programme’s impact would become more evident over time through increased factory production, higher levels of investment, expanded employment opportunities and stronger output for both domestic markets and exports.

By: Joyce Owusu