Implementing a 24-Hour Economy: Leveraging Industry 4.0 for Ghana's Economic Growth and Prosperity – Part 2

The rapidly evolving digital landscape, the convergence and adoption of advanced technologies are reshaping economies and societies worldwide. Ghana is on the verge of an economic transformative leap, with the aim to harness the vast potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, commonly referred to as Industry 4.0. This revolution is characterized by the integration of technologies and critical network systems such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Automation, and advanced data analytics to create smart, interconnected systems that enhance efficiency and productivity across various economic sectors. Ghana’s vision to embrace Industry 4.0 is beginning to take shape as former President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahamah, has outlined his plans to revolutionize the economy through his proposed 24-hour economy.

Ghana's vision for a 24-hour economy, as proposed by JDM, seeks to leverage these technological advancements to revitalize and sustain the economy by addressing challenges in critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, telecommunications, financial services, education, and tourism.

In this article, I will explain how JDM aims to leverage the Industry 4.0 concept to revitalize the economy of Ghana through the implementation of the 24-hour economy policy. Industry 4.0 has brought about significant changes by implementing smart systems, building cyber-physical infrastructure, automating processes, improving decision-making through data insights, and creating new business models in many advanced countries such as the USA, UK, Japan, Finland, and China, among others.

What is 24-hour Economy
A 24-hour economy refers to an economic model where businesses, services, and industries operate continuously, around the clock, to meet the demands of a digitally connected and technologically advanced society. This model leverages the principles of Industry 4.0, to incorporate advanced technologies such as the IoT, AI, automation, robotics, and big data analytics to create an interconnected, efficient, and dynamic economic environment.

In a 24-hour economy, traditional working hours are expanded or eliminated, allowing for continuous production, service delivery, and commercial activities. This model aims to maximize resource utilization, enhance productivity, and provide greater flexibility for both consumers and workers. The integration of digital technologies enables real-time data collection and analysis, autonomous operations, and seamless communication across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, telecommunications, financial services, education, and tourism.

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy is designed to drive economic growth, improve living standards, and maintain a competitive edge in the global market. By adopting this model, regions can better accommodate the needs of a diverse and ever-connected population, ensure that economic activities can respond swiftly to market demands and technological advancements. This approach promotes innovation, resilience, and sustainable development, contributing to the overall prosperity and well-being of society. Ghana aspires to become a leading example of how developing nations can utilize cutting-edge technologies to overcome economic challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Fourth Industrial Revolution - Industry 4.0

Someone may ask, what is the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0? Let me quickly give some brief background on how we progressed to Industry 4.0 from the earlier industrial revolutions.

The First Industrial Revolution, known as Industry 1.0, began in the late 18th to early 19th century with the introduction of mechanization and steam power. This mechanized shift transitioned economies from agrarian and handcrafted to industrial and machine-based manufacturing. Innovations such as the steam engine, spinning jenny, and power loom revolutionized production processes.

The late 19th to early 20th century saw the advent of The Second Industrial Revolution, Industry 2.0. This era was characterized by mass production, assembly lines, and the widespread use of electricity. The advent of electric power enabled factories to operate on a larger scale, enhancing industrial efficiency and productivity. The assembly line, introduced by Henry Ford, significantly reduced production costs and made goods more accessible.

The Third Industrial Revolution, Industry 3.0, began in the late 20th century with the widespread deployment of automation, computers, and electronics. This revolution marked a significant shift from mechanical and analog technology to digital electronics and automation. Computers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and robotics played crucial roles in manufacturing, leading to increased precision, efficiency, and reduced human labor.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0, commenced in the early 21st century and continues to the present. Industry 4.0 is characterized by key innovations such as cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and artificial intelligence (AI). The integration of digital and physical systems through advanced technologies has given rise to smart and interconnected manufacturing systems. Real-time data collection and analysis, autonomous machines, and enhanced communication between systems have improved decision-making, efficiency, and customization in production processes.

These industrial revolutions mark significant shifts in technology and production methods, each building on the innovations of the previous era to drive progress and transform economies. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping the future of work through new styles of work as the traditional five-day (40-hour) workweek is threatened by the evolving rise in remote work and the need for continuous delivery of solutions to meet the huge market demands. Technologies like the Internet, AI, and big data enable more flexible and decentralized work arrangements. Automation is transforming industries by replacing repetitive tasks with machines and AI, while creating new opportunities for high-skilled technological jobs. The global workforce is becoming more dynamic, with increased emphasis on digital skills and adaptability.

The proposed 24-hour economy promises to accelerate these trends by highlighting the potential for remote work, digital integration, and the adoption of smart systems in critical sectors of the economy to improve service delivery, significantly benefiting both providers and users. This model envisions the strategic implementation of Industry 4.0 principles across various economic sectors in Ghana, detailing how a 24-hour economy can be established to drive growth, improve living standards, and position Ghana as a competitive player in the global market. Through targeted investments in technology and cyber-physical infrastructure, workforce development, and regulatory reforms, Ghana can unlock new opportunities and ensure inclusive prosperity for its citizens.

Deployment of Cyber-Physical Systems and Infrastructure

The adoption of a 24-hour economy will be inspired by the concept of Industry 4.0, which hinges on the deployment of massive cyber-physical systems and infrastructure. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and infrastructure represent the convergence of robust network deployment, smart systems, and IoT that enable intelligent models, efficient service delivery, and autonomous systems across various sectors of the economy. This policy will drive the implementation of reliable and fast communication networks to facilitate data exchange between cyber and physical components across the 16 regions in Ghana, similar to the massive deployment of fiber optics cabling between 2009 and 2016. This network expansion enabled the introduction of 3G and 4G technologies under JDM's leadership.

The efficient deployment of CPS, which is the foundation of Industry 4.0, is based on a network phenomenon called the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite. The TCP/IP suite is a set of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. It provides the foundation for data exchange across diverse networks and is the core protocol suite of the Internet.

Let me take the time to explain the concept of the TCP/IP suite, which is the enabler of digitalization and enhanced smart systems for every economy. A section of Ghanaians have come to accept that a digitized economy can be achieved by merely developing applications such as online payment systems. This is not the case; digitization goes beyond the deployment of online payment platforms, which is just one layer of the TCP/IP suite. JDM's 24-hour economy will implement all the layers in the TCP/IP suite. Let's quickly go through the concept of the TCP/IP suite, starting with:

Layer 1 - Network Access: This layer involves the physical transmission of data over network hardware, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi.

Layer 2 - Internet: This layer handles the routing of data across multiple networks, using IP addresses to direct packets to their destinations.

Layer 3 - Transport: This layer ensures the reliable transmission of data between devices, using protocols like TCP to manage data flow and error correction.

Layer 4 - Application: This layer provides the interface for users and applications to interact with the network, including services like email, web browsers, and online payment systems.

Understanding and implementing all layers of the TCP/IP suite is crucial for realizing the full potential of a digitized economy and the 24-hour economy policy. The TCP/IP suite allows diverse and heterogeneous networks to communicate seamlessly, forming the backbone of the modern internet. It is essential for modern digital communication, enabling the interconnectedness of cities, nations, and continents globally. Its structured layers and robust protocols ensure reliable and efficient data exchange, making it the cornerstone of internet and network functionality. This is a major reason why JDM is committed to improve the cyber-physical systems and infrastructure in Ghana from 2025 and beyond. There was a massive expansion of telecommunications system deployment by the private sector between 2009 and 2026, and the government supported this technological growth with the state-of-the-art data center in Accra.

To fully implement the 24-hour economy, JDM plans to establish a Triad-Data Center network. This initiative involves constructing two additional state-of-the-art data centers in Kumasi and Takoradi. The integration of these cutting-edge facilities will significantly enhance Ghana's data communication and cyber-physical infrastructure, enabling the smooth adoption of smart system operations across all industry sectors of the economy. This revolution will be characterized by unprecedented speed, extensive reach, significant societal impact, and the convergence of multiple technologies to improve Ghana’s economy.

24-hour Economy and Smart Cities
The 24-hour economic policy will spearhead smart technological initiatives like smart cities, which can place Ghana at the forefront of Industry 4.0 adoption. Technology will play a crucial role in addressing urban challenges and improving livability, workability, and sustainability. Smart city initiatives leverage technologies such as high-speed internet, IoT, AI, and big data to enhance various sectors, including transportation, energy management, water supply, education, health, tourism, finance, agriculture, and public safety. As urban populations grow, cities must adopt innovative solutions to manage resources efficiently and reduce environmental impact. Integrating these technologies into urban planning and infrastructure is essential for creating resilient and sustainable cities. The future of urban living will be shaped by successfully implementing these smart technologies, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life.

Over the next four years, as part of the 24-hour economy implementation, JDM plans to adopt and pilot smart city systems in three key cities in Ghana: Accra, Takoradi, and Kumasi. These cities will host the triad of modern data centers, serving as hubs for technological innovation and smart infrastructure.

The proliferation of smartphones and internet connectivity has led to the rise of app-native solutions—applications specifically designed for mobile devices. Examples include Uber, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, which leverage the capabilities of the internet, smartphones, GPS, cloud computing, and social media to deliver innovative services. The 24-hour economy will further integrate these digital technologies into everyday life, making internet-enabled devices ubiquitous.

This shift towards a fully connected Ghana will drive new business models and transform traditional industries, including supermarkets, SMEs, heavy industries, and both private and government agencies. The implementation of the 24-hour economic policy, as proposed by JDM, is expected to significantly influence economic and demographic changes. Over the next four years, Ghana's poverty index is projected to decrease dramatically, with the economy poised for unprecedented growth as it adapts to this new economic paradigm.

Implementation and Monitoring
To ensure the smooth operationalization of the 24-hour economy, there would be a dedicated regulatory secretariat to oversee the implementation of the policy, coordinate across sectors, and ensure alignment with national development goals. This secretariat would be tasked with mobilizing funding from both public and private sectors, including international grants and investments, to support the initiatives outlined in the policy. Additionally, a robust monitoring and evaluation framework will be established to track progress, measure impact, and make data-driven adjustments to the policy as needed.

By embracing the 24-hour economy and leveraging the principles of Industry 4.0, Ghana can transform its economy into a dynamic and resilient entity that drives sustainable growth and improves the quality of life for all citizens. This policy provides a comprehensive roadmap to ensure that Ghana remains competitive in the global ecosystem. Through strategic investments in technology, innovation, and human capital, Ghana will not only enhance its economic sectors but also secure a prosperous future for its people.

The adoption of a 24-hour economy model, combined with the advancements of Industry 4.0, offers a transformative opportunity for Ghana to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens. In the following articles, we will explore how the 24-hour economy policy can be implemented across various sectors of the economy, detailing the specific strategies and initiatives that will drive growth and sustainability.

Written By:
Dr. Owusu Nyarko-Boateng
USA
[email protected]