President John Dramani Mahama has outlined some bold strides toward economic revitalisation, delivering on major promises outlined in his “social contract” with Ghanaians.
Two flagship initiatives—the rollout of the 24-Hour Economy policy and the establishment of the Accelerated Export Development Council—have taken off in earnest, setting the tone for a transformative governance agenda focused on job creation, industrial growth, and structural reforms.
“One of our signature policies for job creation and economic transformation is the 24-Hour Economy. We promised to commence drafting needed legal amendments and prepare for their implementation within the first 120 days. The programme roll-out has commenced in earnest.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The strategic framework, according to President Mahama, aimed at unlocking productivity and driving economic transformation across key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
President Mahama emphasised that this policy is not merely aspirational but already in motion. He affirmed that his administration had initiated necessary legal reforms, forged institutional partnerships, and begun real-time implementation of the programme.
The President noted that a 24-Hour Economy Secretariat has been established and is actively collaborating with the Development Bank Ghana and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund to operationalise the financial infrastructure that will support round-the-clock business operations.
In addition, President Mahama disclosed that his Cabinet has approved crucial amendments to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act and the Labour Act.
These revisions include specific clauses designed to provide legal and regulatory support for 24-hour operations, while ensuring robust social protection for workers.
“Some tangible actions have also begun: The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre has launched 24-hour Premium Services to eliminate processing delays for investors; The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a 24-hour passport service, with the Passport Application on Headquarters operating 24/7;
“The DVLA used a 24-hour service to clear a long-standing eighteen (18) months backlog of licenses and will soon commission a new 24-hour service office at Adenta”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama also noted that the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) is spearheading what may become one of the largest graduate employment schemes under the initiative.
The Graduates in Corporate Support (GRICS) programme is expected to place 20,000 graduates with companies operating under the 24-hour model.
Furthermore, the President indicated that the YEA is partnering with key security services—Police, Fire, and Immigration—to train and deploy 23,000 officers to provide safety and security for firms operating at night.
In line with the need for improved public safety during night operations, President Mahama noted that the Ghana Police Service is establishing a dedicated 24-hour unit equipped with smart technology and tasked with strengthening nationwide night patrols.
A comprehensive national sensitisation programme is also underway to familiarise the public with the benefits of the 24-hour economy.
Smart Meters and Incentives for Businesses
President Mahama further announced that the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition is in talks with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to implement smart metering and a Time of Use (ToU) tariff system.
This system will offer reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours, providing an incentive for businesses to operate throughout the night.
To complement these developments, the Minister for Finance and the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy are finalising a list of business incentives to boost enrolment into the programme.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Publishing Company has begun operating 24-hour printing services, reinforcing the spread of this initiative into both the public and private sectors.
“In fulfilment of the 120-day commitment, we are pursuing new avenues of job creation, expanding employment opportunities, particularly for young graduates, and empowering the private sector as the key driver of sustainable job creation”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Accelerated Export Development Council
Complementing the 24-hour policy is another transformative intervention: the establishment of the Accelerated Export Development Council (AEDC), aimed at driving Ghana’s export-led industrial growth.
Earlier this week, President Mahama noted that he inaugurated the 19-member Accelerated Export Development Advisory Committee, which he chairs.
“This Committee will monitor export activities and performance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). We will not accept any business-as-usual attitude”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The Committee’s functions include reviewing performance reports, monitoring targets, refining trade policy, deliberating on international trade issues, and providing policy guidance.
President Mahama noted that inefficiencies within Ghana’s export landscape are costing the nation an estimated $4.3 billion annually, citing data from the International Trade Centre.
These losses, he noted, stem from cumbersome documentation processes, poorly resourced regulatory bodies, and delays at ports.
According to him, women and SMEs are underrepresented in exports, while fisheries face persistent contamination challenges, underscoring the administration’s determination to reverse these trends.
Under the Accelerated Export Development Programme, the government has set a target of significantly increasing non-traditional export earnings beyond the current $3.5 billion annually by 2028.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offering new market opportunities, President Mahama announced plans to triple the number of Ghanaian companies certified under AfCFTA’s Rules of Origin by the end of the year.
The government will also scale up export-readiness training for women and youth and facilitate the penetration of new export markets.
President Mahama has demonstrated a decisive and proactive approach to governance. Thus, by turning policy promises into institutional action, he has signalled a new era of reform-focused leadership.
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