President John Dramani Mahama has revealed remarkable progress in the implementation of his administration’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, fulfilling a crucial campaign promise within his first 120 days in office. Apexnewsgh reports
During a press briefing, President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the momentum of the initiative, stating, “We promised to commence drafting the needed legal amendments and prepare for implementation within the first 120 days — and we have delivered on that promise.”
The President shared that the Cabinet has approved substantial amendments to key legislation, including the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act and the Labour Act. These changes are designed to enhance social protection, foster a supportive legal framework for round-the-clock economic activity, and strengthen relations between labor and businesses.
As part of this ambitious rollout, several government institutions have already adopted 24/7 operations, yielding promising outcomes. “The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre has introduced 24-hour premium services to eliminate processing delays for investors,” President Mahama noted. He further highlighted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a 24-hour passport service, while the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has extended its working hours to address an 18-month backlog of license applications.
The employment opportunities arising from the policy are also beginning to take shape. The President announced an initiative from the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) — the Graduates in Corporate Support Programme — which is set to deploy 20,000 graduates to businesses operating around the clock.
To address security concerns during nighttime operations, the Ghana Police Service is establishing a dedicated 24-hour police unit aimed at enhancing night patrols and incorporating advanced surveillance technology.
On the energy front, President Mahama revealed that the Energy Ministry is collaborating with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to roll out smart meters featuring time-of-use tariffs. This initiative will encourage off-peak energy consumption by offering reduced rates to businesses embracing 24-hour operations.
Interest from the private sector has surged, with many businesses expressing a willingness to engage with the policy. “We are pursuing new avenues of job creation, expanding opportunities especially for young graduates, and positioning the private sector as a critical engine of sustainable growth,” he stated.
In closing, President Mahama emphasized that the 24-hour economy policy is crafted to drive structural transformation across Ghana’s economy, targeting pivotal sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. “This programme will serve as a catalyst for long-term economic renewal,” he asserted, “anchored on innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth.”
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
