24-hour economy and $10bn infrastructure plan will drive Ghana’s growth – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has outlined plans to reshape Ghana’s economy through a 24-hour economy policy and a $10 billion infrastructure project, aimed at boosting job creation, industrial growth, and reducing reliance on foreign aid.

Speaking at Ghana’s Independence Day celebration on March 6, 2025, Mr Mahama stressed the need for a shift in the country’s economic approach, arguing that round-the-clock productivity is key to reversing years of stagnation.

“The era of an economy that sleeps at night must end. Ghana needs continuous productivity, more jobs, and a stronger export base. The 24-hour economy is not just a policy, it is a necessity,” he said.

He explained that under this initiative, businesses will be encouraged to operate throughout the day and night, and the government will work to provide stable electricity, improved security, and better transport systems to support night-time production and trade.

Beyond the 24-hour economy, Mr Mahama also spoke about his $10 billion ‘Big Push’ infrastructure plan, which he said would expand roads, railways, and energy systems while creating thousands of jobs.

“This is a bold step towards building a Ghana that stands on its own industries and workforce instead of continuously seeking foreign assistance,” he said.

Mr Mahama also stressed the role of agriculture in reducing import dependence, pointing to his administration’s Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to strengthen local food production and cut Ghana’s $2 billion annual food import bill.

He said initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme and the Farm-to-Table Poultry Initiative would give farmers access to land, mechanised farming tools, and inputs while promoting large-scale food processing to help stabilise prices.

“Our future prosperity depends on our ability to feed ourselves, produce what we consume, and export more than we import. That is the foundation of true economic independence,” he said.

Mr Mahama urged Ghanaians to support policies aimed at reducing dependence on donor aid, IMF bailouts, and excessive imports, insisting that the path to economic stability lies in productivity, innovation, and disciplined governance.