By Francis Ntow  

Accra, July 2, GNA – Mr. Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, has encouraged businesses and financial institutions to invest in the initiative, highlighting its potential to attract over US$4 billion in investments.  

 Speaking at the launch of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Programme on Wednesday in Accra, Mr. Tanoh said the Secretariat was developing “bankable projects with profitable returns for investors,” aimed at driving long-term industrial growth, creating sustainable jobs, and boosting exports.  

 He revealed that the programme currently includes 50 commercial, institutional, and social projects available for investment.  

 A 24-hour economy refers to a system where businesses and services operate beyond traditional hours—into evenings, nights, and early mornings.  

 Mr. Tanoh said the programme’s implementation strategy focuses on strategic collaboration with financial institutions to facilitate on-lending to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, health, transport, retail, and tourism.   

 These efforts are anchored on three pillars: production transformation, supply chain and market efficiency, and human capital development.  

 “The collaboration is expected to create specialised lending products tailored to businesses transitioning to extended operational hours, addressing unique challenges such as increased working capital requirements and equipment upgrades,” he said.  

 Mr. Tanoh expressed confidence that the framework would revolutionise Ghana’s economic structure through round-the-clock productivity.  

 “Our approach is designed to align with ongoing government programmes to avoid overlaps while ensuring we help industrialise every part of the country,” he said.  

 Mr Tanoh stated that the programme would not be confined to urban centres but would be implemented nationwide to ensure equitable industrial development across all regions.  

 “This grassroots approach recognises that successful implementation requires buy-in from local communities, who will be directly affected by the transformation to 24-hour operations,” he emphasised.  

 To support this, a national mobilisation strategy will include public education campaigns, community consultations, and mechanisms for feedback and adjustments based on local needs.  

 Mr. Tanoh also reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing key barriers to extended operations, such as energy costs, security concerns, and workforce management.  

 “The road may be long, but we are ready to walk it,” he said.  

 President John Dramani Mahama, also speaking at the launch, described the initiative as more than a policy shift, calling it a philosophy of national self-reliance.  

 He underscored its comprehensive design to leverage both human and natural resources toward economic independence.  

“We’re not attempting to fix everything at a go,” President Mahama noted, “but strategically building a productive and inclusive economy.”  

GNA  

Edited by Kenneth Sackey