David Ofosu-Dorte, Senior Partner at AB & David Africa, has emphasized that Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy policy under the Mahama administration should serve as a catalyst for addressing the country’s deep-rooted productivity challenges.
He, however, cautioned that without strategic execution and the collective buy-in of all government stakeholders, the initiative could become an isolated effort leading to nowhere.
The concept of a 24-hour economy, as proposed by President John Mahama, aims to encourage businesses and public institutions to operate around the clock in three eight-hour shifts. This, according to the president, is expected to “boost production, promote productivity and generate well-paying jobs – aimed at transforming Ghana into an import substitution and export-led economy.”
While the policy presents an opportunity to enhance productivity, Ofosu-Dorte pointed out that its success will depend on how effectively it is implemented. He believes that Ghana’s long-standing productivity issues stem from inefficiencies in various sectors, and unless these are addressed, a 24-hour economy alone will not yield the desired results.
“If you stimulate demand and you match it with a 24-hour economy, then you are increasing supply and you’re increasing productivity. That is what you do in a country that has low productivity.”
David Ofosu-Dorte
The Need for Strategic Implementation
Ofosu-Dorte emphasized that merely instituting a 24-hour work cycle is not enough to drive economic growth. He suggested that Ghana must establish a central direction and work collectively towards making the policy a success. He warned that if President Mahama fails to rally his appointees and stakeholders behind the vision, it could lead to a “lonely walk to nowhere.”
According to him, the success of such a bold economic initiative requires coordination across various government agencies, the private sector, and labor unions. He believes that without a unified approach, the policy will struggle to gain traction and may not deliver on its objectives. “For him, ‘there should be central direction’ and a great effort to carry the whole nation along in his bid to reset the economy.”
Ghana has historically struggled with low productivity, caused by factors such as inefficient labor practices, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent policy implementation. Ofosu-Dorte argues that while the 24-hour economy could be a game changer, it must be accompanied by comprehensive measures to remove structural bottlenecks that hinder productivity.
For the policy to succeed, he suggests the government should focus on improving transportation networks, ensuring stable electricity supply, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Additionally, workforce readiness must be considered, as employees would require the necessary skills and incentives to work under a round-the-clock economic system.
Lessons from Other Economies
Countries that have successfully implemented 24-hour economies, such as Singapore and South Korea, have done so with well-defined policies and investments in infrastructure. Ofosu-Dorte believes Ghana can learn from these experiences by tailoring its approach to fit local conditions.
For instance, in cities where night economies thrive, such as Dubai and New York, businesses operate efficiently because of clear policies that support them. This includes extended public transportation hours, security enhancements, and favorable labor laws. If Ghana intends to replicate such models, it must ensure that supporting structures are in place.
A major concern for Ofosu-Dorte is the potential for the policy to become a disjointed effort if not championed by all key players. He reiterated that President Mahama must ensure his appointees and relevant institutions fully understand and support the vision.
He warned that failing to do so would mean the policy remains on paper without meaningful impact. To prevent this, there must be extensive stakeholder engagement, involving the private sector, labor unions, and regulatory bodies to ensure a coordinated rollout.
The 24-hour economy has the potential to transform Ghana’s productivity landscape if properly implemented. However, as Ofosu-Dorte has highlighted, its success hinges on a clear central direction, removal of inefficiencies, and the commitment of all stakeholders. Without these elements, the policy risks becoming a well-intended but ineffective initiative—one that could amount to a “lonely walk to nowhere.”
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