The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development (24H+) Secretariat has disclosed that 33 manufacturing companies have commenced multi-shift operations under the government’s flagship economic transformation programme, while dismissing claims by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, that the initiative has little to show for its implementation.
In a detailed statement issued on Thursday, the Secretariat said the programme was already yielding measurable results, including the introduction of round-the-clock operations in manufacturing, petroleum retail and selected public institutions, contrary to assertions made by the Ofoase-Ayirebi MP during parliamentary proceedings on July 14.
The Secretariat explained that the GH¢650 billion figure cited by Mr. Oppong Nkrumah referred to the total national budget appropriated by Parliament over the past two years and not expenditure on the 24-Hour Economy programme, emphasising that the initiative is primarily financed through private sector investment under the 24-Hour Economy Authority Act, 2026.
According to the statement, implementation of the programme has gathered momentum, with 12 Oil Marketing Companies now providing 24-hour services across 268 filling stations nationwide, while the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Ghana Publishing Company and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority have also introduced 24-hour operations.
It added that 33 manufacturers have begun operating second and third shifts, describing the development as clear evidence that the programme is moving from policy to implementation.
The Secretariat further revealed that it had, together with development partners, signed Joint Development Agreements worth approximately US$5.5 billion as part of a broader US$11.5 billion investment pipeline to drive industrialisation, agriculture, energy and logistics projects.
It said the programme aims to create 1.7 million decent jobs by the end of 2028, noting that agreements concluded within the last three months alone are expected to generate more than 160,000 direct jobs.
Among the flagship projects highlighted are the US$1.45 billion Buipe Solar and Battery Project, expected to generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity for industry, and the US$250 million Kambonwule Oil Palm Complex, which will significantly expand domestic palm oil production while creating thousands of jobs.
The Secretariat acknowledged that the programme’s rollout may have appeared gradual but said the phased implementation was intentional to ensure adequate policy frameworks, investor readiness, reliable power supply, secure land access and long-term sustainability.
It also disclosed that an incentive package for the private sector had been designed following extensive consultations with industry players and was being finalised with the Ministry of Finance before its official announcement.
The Secretariat maintained that the success of the 24-Hour Economy should be measured by investments mobilised, production expanded, exports increased and jobs created rather than by the pace of initial implementation.
It expressed confidence that Ghanaians would increasingly witness the programme’s impact through expanding 24-hour services, factories operating multiple shifts, new investment projects and growing employment opportunities, adding that it welcomed public scrutiny and would continue to respond with facts and evidence.
By: Christian Kpesese
