Accra — July 2026
Ghana can unlock new opportunities for job creation, productivity and economic growth by adopting a carefully planned 24-hour economy model that suits its local realities, Executive Chairman of Coalition For Integrity In Governance-Ghana, Mr Simon Amega Awadzi, has said.
According to him, a successful 24-hour economy is not about keeping shops and markets open throughout the night, but rather creating a coordinated system where industries, transport services, banks, hospitals, logistics firms and selected markets operate in shifts to sustain economic activity.
In an article titled “The 24-Hour Market Economy: What Africa and Ghana Can Learn from Europe and Other Developed Economies,” Mr Awadzi said countries in Europe, North America and Asia have demonstrated that continuous economic operations can boost productivity, reduce waste and improve supply chains when supported by proper planning, infrastructure and technology.
He noted that Ghana could draw lessons from these economies by strengthening market infrastructure, transport networks, warehousing, cold storage, digital payment systems and shift-based operations in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and retail.
“The goal should not be to copy these countries exactly, but to adapt the principles of a 24-hour economy to Ghana’s own conditions and needs,” he stated.
Hon. Awadzi stressed that the success of such an initiative would depend on critical foundations including reliable electricity, road networks, security, communication systems, skilled labour and supportive government policies.
He added that a well-structured 24-hour economy could help Ghana reduce post-harvest losses, expand local industries, create employment opportunities and improve living standards.
“The objective is not simply to keep businesses open around the clock, but to build an economy where every hour contributes to national development,” he said.
He urged policymakers and stakeholders to approach the concept strategically, using lessons from developed economies while developing a model that reflects Ghana’s economic environment.
Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Market initiative is a national flagship programme launched by the government to transform local commercial hubs into fully serviced, round-the-clock economic zones. Supported by a dedicated funding allocation, the government is constructing these modern facilities in all 261 districts nationwide to stimulate continuous commercial activity, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs.
