The government’s flagship 24-hour economy continues to draw intense national focus as Ghana transitions toward a productivity-driven model of inclusive growth.
As the administration of President John Dramani Mahama prepares to present its second budget, questions persist about the long-term affordability and sustainability of the policy, particularly its night-time component.
According to IMANI Africa, which has assessed the policy’s design and implementation, the 24-hour economy was a key driver of the National Democratic Congress’s electoral victory in 2024. It has since become the “central pillar of the government’s 24Hr Plus Policy Programme,” targeting critical sectors such as manufacturing, services, logistics, and commerce to sustain operations beyond conventional working hours.
The think tank noted that the initiative is designed not only to boost employment and productivity but also to position Ghana as a competitive hub in the global marketplace. However, it warned that while infrastructure and private sector incentives are vital, the success of the night economy will depend heavily on the affordability of participation and fair compensation for workers.
“At its core, the 24-hour economy seeks to extend productive activity beyond conventional working hours, ensuring that industries, services, and commerce operate seamlessly around the clock – Public attention is firmly fixed on the progress of this bold initiative”
IMANI Africa
Affordability, particularly in transportation, remains a major concern. IMANI Africa highlighted that commuters already face higher fares at night due to limited transport availability and congestion during the evening rush hours. These challenges, the think tank argued, increase operational costs for both passengers and logistics operators.
“Traffic congestion not only delays journeys but also inflates costs for transport operators, as more fuel is consumed in gridlock,” IMANI noted, adding that these costs extend to haulage and delivery services, where prolonged transit times raise expenses even further.
Without intervention, IMANI warned, the night economy could become a privilege for the few rather than a space of opportunity for all. The organization stressed that unless public transport is made affordable, the inclusivity and social equity the policy seeks to promote could be undermined.
Labour Incentives
Beyond transport costs, IMANI underscored a critical gap in labour law and policy.
It pointed out that Ghana’s existing labour legislation does not mandate premium pay for workers who engage in night shifts, except for those whose contracts explicitly define working hours between 10 pm and 7 am.
This omission, the policy centre argued, diminishes worker motivation and could impede the sustainability of round-the-clock operations.
“With the daily minimum wage set to rise to GHS 21.77 in 2026, the question remains: is this sufficient motivation for workers to embrace extended hours?
“For many, the answer is no. Without additional compensation, firms will struggle to attract the labour supply necessary to sustain operations in the night economy, leaving the policy’s promise unfulfilled”
IMANI Africa
IMANI suggested that an increment in the current pay levels may provide enough incentive for workers to embrace longer or unconventional hours and called for policy reforms that guarantee such adequate compensation and safeguard worker welfare.
To ensure that the 24-hour economy achieves its objectives, IMANI recommended that the government re-examines the legal and operational frameworks underpinning the initiative. This includes amending labour laws to recognize and reward the sacrifices made by night-shift workers.
“Premium wages, allowances, or other forms of compensation are not luxuries – they are essential mechanisms to balance the sacrifices workers make when extending their hours into the night. Without them, the policy risks becoming a burden on labour rather than a catalyst for opportunity”
IMANI Africa
The think tank also advocated for deliberate interventions to make the night economy more accessible and affordable to the public, including expanded bus rapid transit systems, improved traffic management, and public-private partnerships to stabilize transport costs.
As President Mahama’s government moves to deepen implementation of the 24-hour economy, IMANI cautioned that ambition must be matched by pragmatism.
The think tank concluded that success will depend on Ghana’s ability to build a balanced system – one where workers are adequately rewarded, businesses operate efficiently, and citizens can participate without prohibitive costs.
“Affordability and fair compensation must be placed at the heart of the policy. Only then can the night economy become not just an extension of daytime activity, but a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable pillar of national development”
IMANI Africa
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