President John Dramani Mahama has outlined an ambitious vision to transform Ghana’s economy into a 24-hour productive powerhouse.
At the official launch of the 24-hour economy programme in Accra, the President announced that over two million hectares of farmland will be irrigated as part of a sweeping agricultural transformation agenda. This irrigation effort is the cornerstone of Grow 24, one of the eight critical pillars underpinning the broader initiative.
Mr. Mahama underscored that the 24-hour economy is not merely a slogan but a bold policy direction aimed at increasing national productivity across agriculture, manufacturing, services, and creative sectors. The goal, he explained, is to unlock new opportunities for employment, enhance food security, and position Ghana as a competitive player in regional and global markets.
Central to the president’s announcement was Grow 24, a comprehensive strategy to revitalise agriculture through technology, infrastructure, and innovation. The plan to irrigate over two million hectares signals the most extensive irrigation undertaking in Ghana’s history, enabling year-round cultivation and insulating farmers against unpredictable rainfall patterns.
“This is not just about irrigation,” President Mahama stated. “It is about laying the groundwork for a sustainable agricultural revolution that will ensure food self-sufficiency and surplus for export.”
Under Grow 24, farmers will have access to mechanised services, improved seeds, fertilisers, and modern farming techniques. The programme will also prioritise farmer cooperatives to drive collective action and shared prosperity.
Agro-Industrial Parks: From Farm to Market
A transformative element of Grow 24 is the establishment of agro-industrial parks. These hubs will serve as centres for value addition, packaging, and agro-processing—activities that have long been constrained by poor infrastructure and limited market access.
President Mahama explained that the agro-industrial parks will dramatically reduce post-harvest losses, a persistent challenge that costs the Ghanaian economy millions of cedis annually. By integrating farming and processing, these parks are expected to create jobs, attract investment, and stimulate local economies across the country.
“Imagine a Ghana where produce harvested at dawn can be processed, packaged, and shipped to local and international markets by dusk. That is the vision we are determined to make a reality.”
President Mahama
Catalyst for Food Security and Exports
Beyond domestic food supply, the irrigation and processing drive is expected to position Ghana as an agricultural exporter. The president emphasised that Grow 24 will be a catalyst for achieving food security while generating foreign exchange from exports of processed and raw agricultural products.
This strategy will also contribute to reducing Ghana’s food import bill, which has been a drain on the country’s resources. By focusing on key staple and cash crops, the government plans to build resilience in the food system and shield the economy from global commodity price shocks.
While Grow 24 is the agricultural backbone, the wider 24-hour economy programme envisions round-the-clock productivity across all sectors. Manufacturing plants will be incentivised to operate in shifts, service providers will adopt extended hours, and creative industries will be supported to generate economic activity beyond traditional working times.
Infrastructure development, reliable power supply, digital connectivity, and affordable financing will form the foundation of this economy. The government also plans to introduce policy reforms to make continuous operations feasible and attractive for private investors.
Harnessing Technology and Partnerships
The success of the 24-hour economy will hinge on technology and strategic partnerships. President Mahama pointed out that modern irrigation systems, climate-smart agriculture, and digital platforms for input distribution and market linkages are all central to the plan. Partnerships with development agencies, local entrepreneurs, and international investors will be encouraged to drive innovation and scale.
In concluding his remarks, President Mahama called on all Ghanaians to rally behind the vision. “This is not the work of government alone. It will require the collective effort of farmers, businesses, investors, and every citizen who believes in Ghana’s potential,” he said.
The unveiling of this initiative marks a defining moment in the nation’s quest for economic transformation. If successfully implemented, the 24-hour economy, anchored by Grow 24, could usher in a new era of prosperity, resilience, and inclusive growth for Ghana.
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