24-hour economy taking shape through state institutions – Hamza Suhuyini

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Communications Team, Hamza Suhuyini, has said Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy is taking shape, citing the implementation of round-the-clock services by several state institutions.

The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, also known as 24H+, is a flagship government initiative designed to boost production, expand exports, improve productivity and create employment by encouraging economic activities to operate across multiple shifts.

The programme was officially launched in July 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama who subsequently assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill in February 2026, providing a legal framework for coordinating its implementation.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily programme on Wednesday, October 28, Hamza said institutions such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Ghana Publishing Company and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) had taken steps towards operating around the clock.

He explained that the initiative goes beyond extending working hours in public institutions, with the broader objective of creating jobs and encouraging private-sector businesses to adopt the model.

“The policy is already taking shape. It is the bolster that we are now talking about in terms of measurability of the policy, as far as the 24-hour secretariat is concerned, about job creation beyond the traditional civil or public institutions that we know,” he said.

Mr Suhuyini added that the government is working towards creating an enabling environment for private businesses to participate in the initiative, particularly in manufacturing, agro-processing and other productive sectors.

He noted that the rollout would require time, given the scale of the programme and the need for collaboration between government institutions and private investors.

The NDC communicator, however, acknowledged public concerns over the pace of implementation, particularly as many young Ghanaians continue to struggle to secure employment after completing their education.

“I can understand the impatience of the Ghanaian people. Justified, justified. Many of our young people are out there still unemployed. Our parents still wake up on a daily basis and see their kids, after having gone through the four corners of a public university, with certificates, no jobs for them,” he stated.