The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has cautioned that the proposed 24-Hour Economy policy will remain an empty slogan unless the government urgently addresses key structural challenges.
Mark Badu-Aboagye, CEO of the GNCCI, said the idea of a 24-hour economy is bold and necessary, but cannot succeed under current business conditions. He pointed to high utility costs, unreliable power supply, poor road infrastructure, and limited access to credit as major obstacles.
“We cannot run a 24-hour economy when businesses already struggle to survive during the day,” he said during a press briefing in Accra. “Without power, affordable financing, and basic infrastructure, this vision won’t deliver real results.”
The 24-Hour Economy, promoted by the NDC and its flagbearer John Mahama, aims to reduce unemployment and boost productivity by encouraging businesses to operate around the clock. While many Ghanaians support the idea, industry leaders argue it requires more than good intentions.
Badu-Aboagye urged government to provide incentives for night operations, improve security, and ensure reliable electricity for industrial zones. He also called for closer collaboration between policymakers and the private sector.
“The concept is good, but the foundation is weak,” he said. “We need to solve the basics first then we can talk about extended shifts and job creation.”
GNCCI’s warning adds to growing calls for a realistic approach to economic reforms. Without structural improvements, business leaders fear the 24-Hour Economy could remain a campaign promise rather than a national transformation plan.
