The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, says the government’s push toward a 24-hour economy is already showing strong promise, with trial industrial zones reporting higher production levels and growing night-shift employment.
According to her, the initiative — one of President John Dramani Mahama’s signature policies — is steadily proving to be a practical driver of job creation, productivity and expanded economic activity.
“In pilot zones such as the Tema Light Manufacturing Belt, continuous operations have led to notable increases in output and in the number of workers engaged during night shifts,” she said.
Addressing the 14th Ghana Industry and Quality Awards in Accra on November 30, the Vice-President noted that the round-the-clock model boosts capacity, maximises resource use and opens up more employment opportunities.
Honouring industrial excellence
Organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Ghana Industry and Quality Awards celebrate outstanding companies across key sectors each year as the climax of National Industrial Week.
Honeycomb Foods Ltd, Pioneer Business Investments Ltd, Eden Tree, CBI Ghana Ltd, Nexans Kabelmetal Ghana Ltd, Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd and Nestlé Ghana Ltd were among the notable winners.
The awards are supported by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI).
Strengthening Ghana’s industrial base
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasised that the 24-hour economy policy forms part of a wider industrialisation strategy aimed at enhancing resilience and improving Ghana’s competitive edge in global markets.
She explained that the government is working to ensure essential public services — from port operations to regulatory agencies — function seamlessly to support industries operating in shifts.
She also applauded the AGI for its role in advancing industrial growth and championing made-in-Ghana products.
Acknowledging hurdles
Despite the progress, the Vice-President acknowledged the challenges confronting manufacturers, including unreliable power supply, limited financing and high utility costs.
She assured industry players that government interventions under a broader industrial agenda would help address these bottlenecks.
She highlighted upcoming measures to improve access to raw materials through agribusiness support, prioritise local procurement and expand export opportunities through infrastructure development — including the operationalisation of the Boankra Inland Port and upgrades to major logistics corridors.
Government’s pledge
Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the business environment through regulatory reforms that simplify processes, cut delays and improve transparency.
She said the digitalisation of business systems — from company registration to customs processes — is helping remove longstanding constraints on the private sector.
She encouraged manufacturers and exporters to embrace these reforms, adding that government procurement policies already reflect support for local industry, including the purchase of locally made sanitary pads under the Free Sanitary Pads Initiative for public school girls.
Ensuring fair competition
Outgoing AGI President Dr Humphrey Ayim Darke stressed that the success of the 24-Hour Economy depends not only on increased production but also on protecting market integrity.
He called for tighter border controls, stronger customs enforcement and better coordination among regulatory agencies to curb the influx of smuggled and substandard goods.
Clear penalties and firm enforcement, he said, are essential to safeguard local industries.
