From Safety to Efficiency: How Drug Testing Policies Can Boost Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy

"In a 24-hour economy, vigilance is non-negotiable. Drug testing policies are the silent guardians of efficiency and accountability." Sheryl Sandberg

Ghana’s ambitious 24-hour economy policy, spearheaded by President John Mahama, aims to transform the nation into a hub of continuous productivity across sectors like manufacturing, agro-processing, and public services. However, as businesses prepare for round-the-clock operations, ensuring workplace safety and efficiency becomes paramount. Globally, drug testing policies have emerged as a critical tool to mitigate risks and enhance productivity in 24-hour industries. Drawing lessons from global best practices, Ghana can establish an effective framework to enhance economic growth, protect workers, and foster a drug-free workforce.

Ghana’s 24-hour economy targets industries such as construction, mining, transportation, manufacturing, agro-processing sectors, and their ilk, where impaired judgment due to drug use could lead to accidents or operational failures. For example, the U.S. military’s zero-tolerance drug policy reduced illicit drug use from 27.6% in 1980 to 3.4% by 1992, demonstrating how stringent testing curbs risks and maintains discipline. Similarly, Ghana’s 24-hour economy could benefit from pre-employment and random drug testing to safeguard quality control and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). It could also reduce lawsuits, insurance claims, or financial losses due to accidents caused by substance-impaired employees.

Studies show that employees under the influence of drugs are 2–3 times more likely to have workplace accidents, leading to lost productivity and increased healthcare costs. In the U.S., companies with pre-employment drug testing saw half the post-accident positivity rates compared to those without such programmes. For Ghana, adopting similar measures could lower absenteeism and insurance premiums, freeing resources for industrial expansion.

As Ghana seeks to become an export-led economy under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), adherence to international safety standards is non-negotiable. China, a key player in the global drug testing market, leverages cost-effective testing technologies to meet export compliance demands. Ghana could emulate this by partnering with local forensic firms like the Africa Centre for Human ID and Genomic Medicine (ACHIDGM) etc to implement scalable testing solutions for implementation.

The U.S. military’s combination of random testing and strict penalties reduced drug abuse rates by over 80% in two decades. This approach not only enhanced operational readiness but also fostered a culture of accountability, a template Ghana could adapt for its security forces and night-shift workers. Australia’s adoption of oral fluid testing praised for its non-invasive nature and real-time results has streamlined hiring in industries like transportation and healthcare. With Ghana’s police-to-population ratio lagging at 1:752 (vs. the global 1:500 standard), such technologies could ease pressure on law enforcement while ensuring safer workplaces. China’s rise as a drug testing market leader stems from its ability to deliver affordable, high-quality services. By integrating similar innovations, Ghana could reduce reliance on imported testing kits and build local capacity aligning with its 24-hour economy goal to produce 60–80% of pharmaceuticals domestically by 2030.

Extended operating hours require enhanced security and reliable utilities. Only 32% of Ghana’s pharmacies operate at night due to safety concerns. To address this, the government plans to recruit 32,000 additional police officers and deploy smart lighting systems in economic zones. Public-private partnerships, like those in Sydney’s 24-hour districts, could further bolster nighttime safety.

As seen in the U.S., conflicting state laws on marijuana legalisation complicate employer testing policies. Ghana must craft regulations that respect privacy while prioritising safety, for instance, exempting non-safety-sensitive roles from strict testing mandates. Employers will be required to communicate drug testing policies transparently to workers and provide rehabilitation support rather than immediate termination. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) could be offered to help workers struggling with substance abuse.

Ghana’s 24-hour economy vision hinges on a workforce that is both productive and safe. By learning from global leaders and addressing local gaps through targeted legislation and technology adoption, the nation can position itself as a model for Africa. As President Mahama noted, “Efficiency is not just about hours worked, it’s about creating systems that work for everyone”. With drug testing as a cornerstone, Ghana’s economic transformation could set a precedent for the continent.

"You cannot build a thriving economy on an impaired workforce. Sobriety and safety are the foundation of national productivity." Paul Krugman