The 24H+ portal must turn ambition into enterprise

The launch of the 24H+ Economy portal marks another important step in Ghana’s attempt to reposition its economy around production, exports and industrial growth. 

By opening the programme to farmers, manufacturers, traders, transport operators, investors and young entrepreneurs, the government is signalling that the success of the 24-hour economy will depend not only on policy direction but also on broad private sector participation.

Graphic Business believes the portal represents more than a digital registration platform. It is a test of whether Ghana can translate economic ambition into practical opportunities for businesses and individuals. 

The wide range of sectors captured under the initiative, from agro-processing and textiles to pharmaceuticals, logistics and the creative economy, reflects an effort to build a more diversified and productive economy.

One of the strongest aspects of the programme is its focus on value addition. Ghana has long depended on exporting raw materials while importing finished products at higher costs. 

The emphasis on industrial parks, agro-processing facilities and manufacturing hubs suggests an attempt to reverse that pattern. If implemented effectively, the initiative could strengthen local production, reduce import dependence and expand export earnings.

The incentive structure is also significant. Tax relief for companies operating multiple shifts, import exemptions on machinery and access to concessionary financing create practical reasons for businesses to participate. 

These measures acknowledge an important reality: businesses are more likely to invest and expand when the policy environment reduces operational costs and uncertainty.

For many firms, particularly manufacturers, the possibility of lower corporate income tax and priority access to utilities could make continuous operations more viable. In a country where production costs often remain high, such incentives may encourage investment in sectors that can create jobs and increase industrial output.

The programme’s emphasis on young people is equally important. Offering digital skills training, internships and start-up financing addresses a major national challenge: unemployment. Ghana’s youthful population requires more than temporary interventions. 

It needs pathways into sustainable work and enterprise development. Integrating skills training with real economic projects could help bridge the gap between education and employment.

However, Graphic Business maintains that the success of the 24H+ initiative will depend heavily on execution. Large economic programmes often generate enthusiasm at launch but lose momentum due to delays, weak coordination or financing challenges. 

The portal may attract interest, but participation alone will not guarantee results.

Reliable infrastructure will be essential. Businesses cannot operate around the clock without stable electricity, efficient transport systems, strong digital connectivity and dependable water supply. 

Regulatory bottlenecks must also be reduced if firms are expected to scale operations quickly.

Transparency and accessibility will matter as well. Small businesses, cooperatives and rural entrepreneurs should not be excluded by complicated registration processes or uneven access to financing. The programme must avoid becoming concentrated among only a few large firms.

There is also the broader question of market demand. Expanding production without strengthening domestic and export markets could limit the programme’s impact. 

The government must therefore ensure that trade facilitation, export promotion and logistics systems evolve alongside production capacity.

Graphic Business believes the launch of the portal is an encouraging development because it shifts the conversation from policy announcements to participation and implementation. 

But the true measure of success will not be the number of registered entities recorded online. It will be the number of factories operating, farmers exporting, businesses expanding and jobs created over time.

The 24H+ economy can become a turning point for Ghana’s productive sector. To achieve that the momentum generated by the portal must now translate into real investment, real production and real economic transformation.