Guidelines for implementing Ghana’s 24-Hour economy: Phased public sector-led approach
HE National Democratic Congress (NDC), under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to transform Ghana into a 24-hour economy.
This visionary policy represents a timely and strategic response to growing unemployment, underutilised infrastructure, and inefficiencies in service delivery.
When properly implemented, a 24-hour economy can stimulate inclusive economic growth, enhance public sector productivity and improve the overall quality of life for Ghanaians.
This article provides a framework for the phased implementation of the 24-hour economy, starting with the public sector, based on the government’s role as the largest employer and job creator.
1. Rationale
Globally, countries that operate around the clock often exhibit higher economic output, greater employment absorption and improved efficiency in public services.
In Ghana, where youth unemployment remains high and public services are often congested during working hours, extending operations beyond the traditional 8a.m–5p.m window is both necessary and beneficial.
Key anticipated benefits include expanding shifts across sectors, creating opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians; citizens will have more flexible access to essential public and private services; underutilised assets such as buildings, equipment, and technology can be maximised, and a night-time economy generates new demand for transportation, energy, retail and hospitality services.
2. Starting with public sector
The most effective way to demonstrate commitment and establish credibility is to begin implementation within government-managed institutions.
A public sector-led approach offers the advantage of centralised control and policy direction. Priority institutions should include:
a) Healthcare facilities: Hospitals, polyclinics and emergency medical centres already operate on a 24-hour basis. Their current structures can be strengthened with improved funding, staffing, and logistics to serve as benchmarks for other sectors.
b) Educational institutions: Universities, technical schools, and public libraries can extend their hours to support flexible learning, research and skills training. Evening and weekend classes would especially benefit adult learners and working professionals.
c) Public Administrative Services: Agencies such as the Passport Office, Births and Deaths Registry, Ghana Immigration Service, DVLA, and the Registrar General’s Department often experience long queues and delays. Introducing extended hours or night shifts can: reduce congestion and waiting times; increase document processing capacity, and improve citizen satisfaction and trust in public institutions.
3. Shift systems
A full 24-hour economy involves three daily shifts (8-hour shifts covering the full day). However, a phased shift system should be adopted in the beginning: a two-shift model consisting of a day shift from 7:00a.m to 3:00p.m and an evening shift from 3:00p.m to 10:00p.m.
This model eases the burden of overnight operations and allows both staff and the public to gradually adapt. It also minimises utility costs and security concerns associated with night-time operations. Over time, institutions with high demand and readiness can transition into a full Three-Shift Model.
4. Labour considerations
The expansion of working hours will require significant recruitment, upskilling and adjustment of working conditions. The government must work closely with labour unions to review wage structures, shift allowances, and health and safety protocols, human resource departments to develop fair and transparent shift rosters, and training institutions to prepare a pipeline of skilled workers for new job openings.
Government incentives such as tax reliefs or subsidies can also be provided to private sector companies that adopt the 24-hour model.
5. Readiness
Infrastructure investments must precede or accompany policy roll-out. Key priorities include reliable energy supply, street lighting, public transportation and increased visibility of security services and presence at night.
6. Digital transformation
The digitalisation of public services can significantly enhance the success of a 24-hour economy. Key recommendations include 24/7 online access to government services like passport applications, tax filing and business registration; e-payment systems for faster and safer transactions, and data analytics and monitoring systems to track demand, performance, and citizen feedback in real-time.
7. Engagement
While the public sector leads the charge, the private sector including manufacturing, retail, banking, logistics, and hospitality should be encouraged to follow suit.
Many manufacturers already operate night shifts during periods of high demand. Government can provide tax incentives and flexible labour laws to support transition, promote collaborations between public and private firms such as public-private partnerships for service delivery at night, and facilitate access to capital for small businesses seeking to expand into night operations.
The informal sector, including markets, vendors, and transport operators, also plays a crucial role. Their inclusion in planning and support structures such as lighting, sanitation, and security is essential.
8. Public awareness
A national campaign must be launched to inform citizens about the objectives and benefits of the 24-hour economy, new service hours and channels, their rights as workers and consumers under the new model, community leaders, civil society organisations and the media must be engaged to promote inclusive dialogue and social acceptance.
Conclusion
The 24-hour economy, if strategically implemented, can serve as a powerful tool to address unemployment, increase public sector productivity, and enhance national competitiveness.
A well-coordinated rollout starting with the public sector—supported by infrastructural investments, workforce expansion, and stakeholder engagement—will position Ghana as a forward-thinking, productivity-driven nation.
This transformation, however, requires political will, policy coherence, and sustained public support. It is not merely a slogan; it must be a national development strategy.
The writer is the Head of Marketing Department at the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Ikabdul-hamid@upsamail.edu.gh