‘Private sector to lead 24‑hour plus programme, government will only facilitate’

President John Dramani Mahama says the newly launched 24‑Hour Economy will be driven primarily by private enterprise, with the state positioning itself as a catalyst rather than a controlling force.

Speaking at the official launch of the 24-hour policy on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the President stressed that the government’s role is to “create the environment” for businesses to operate productively around the clock.

“The private sector will lead the 24‑Hour Plus programme. Government will facilitate and not dominate,” the President declared.

He described any public spending under the scheme as “catalytic,” explaining that state funds would serve as seed capital for the 24‑Hour Plus Authority and to support bulk infrastructure, rather than dictate day‑to‑day operations.

“Any government funding in 24‑Hour Plus will be catalytic, serving as seed funding for the 24‑Hour Plus Authority and supporting bulk infrastructure,” he noted.

That approach, he said, is meant to unlock larger pools of financing while easing pressure on the national budget.

Individual enterprises will be expected to secure investment through commercial banks, development finance institutions, and blended‑finance structures, ensuring the initiative remains commercially sustainable and attractive to investors.

The 24‑Hour Economy, one of the National Democratic Congress’s flagship policies, aims to boost productivity, create jobs, and make Ghana’s industries globally competitive by encouraging shift‑based operations across manufacturing, agro‑processing, healthcare, transport, and retail.

Read also…