President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, launched in Accra on July 2, 2025, represents a revitalization of Ghana’s founding vision of industrial transformation, echoing the aspirations of its first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Mahama emphasizes that this initiative, branded “24H Plus,” isn’t merely an extension of working hours but a fundamental restructuring of the Ghanaian economy. It aims to shift the nation from its reliance on raw material exports towards a productive, self-sufficient, and export-driven model, drawing inspiration from Nkrumah’s original vision for the Akosombo Dam. The dam, envisioned as a catalyst for industrial growth, agro-processing, and national productivity, had its full potential untapped. Mahama’s policy seeks to rectify this historical oversight by reigniting the multifaceted approach to development that Nkrumah championed.
“24H Plus” encompasses a range of sector-specific programs, strategically designed to address key areas for economic growth. These areas include agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure development, the burgeoning creative arts sector, logistics, finance, and skills development. By focusing on these critical sectors, the policy aims to create a robust and diversified economy. This multifaceted approach is more than just a policy initiative; it signifies a national reset, a fundamental shift in Ghana’s economic trajectory. The goal is to fully unlock the nation’s productive potential, echoing Nkrumah’s vision of a self-reliant, industrialized, and inclusive African nation driven by organized creativity and prosperity for all.
The Volta Economic Corridor stands as the central pillar of the “24H Plus” program. This region will house industrial parks, agro-processing zones, and creative clusters, all interconnected by efficient transport linkages, taking advantage of the Volta Lake corridor. This strategic focus aims to create a dynamic economic hub, attracting investment and stimulating growth throughout the region. By leveraging the existing infrastructure and natural resources, the Volta Economic Corridor is positioned to become a powerhouse of economic activity, driving the nation’s transformation towards a more productive and self-sufficient economic model.
To ensure the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of this ambitious initiative, the 24-hour Plus Authority has been established. This body will report directly to the President, irrespective of the political party in power, ensuring continuity and stability across administrations. This structural arrangement underscores the non-partisan nature of the policy, positioning it as a national project rather than a political agenda. The direct reporting line to the President emphasizes the importance of the initiative and provides the authority with the necessary leverage to effectively coordinate and implement the diverse programs under the “24H Plus” umbrella.
By revisiting the foundational principles laid down by Nkrumah and adapting them to the contemporary economic landscape, Mahama’s policy intends to address key challenges faced by the Ghanaian economy. The over-reliance on imported goods is a major concern that the policy directly targets. By promoting local production and value addition across various sectors, “24H Plus” aims to reduce import dependency while simultaneously creating more job opportunities. This dual approach not only strengthens the domestic economy but also improves Ghana’s trade balance and overall economic resilience.
The “24H Plus” policy marks a significant step towards realizing Ghana’s full economic potential. It represents a bold vision for a more diversified and self-reliant economy, drawing inspiration from the nation’s founding principles. The emphasis on industry, agro-processing, and value addition, coupled with strategic infrastructure development and a focus on human capital, sets the stage for sustainable economic growth and prosperity. By learning from the past and adapting to the present, Ghana is charting a course towards a brighter economic future under the banner of the “24H Plus” initiative.
