President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will soon establish the 24-Hour Authority, a major institutional step towards the full implementation of Ghana’s flagship 24-hour economy policy.
The President made the announcement on Thursday, January 8, during a visit to the Ghana Publishing Company, where he praised the management for proactively adopting innovative operational strategies, including a two-shift system, in anticipation of the policy’s rollout.
According to President Mahama, the committee tasked with reviewing the 24-hour economy framework has completed its work and is expected to submit its report to Parliament. The presentation of the report will pave the way for the legal establishment of the 24-Hour Authority.
“I’m happy to note that the committee has finished considering it and it’s supposed to go onto the floor of Parliament to set up the 24-Hour Authority, which would then open the way for implementation and registration of all the businesses that will be involved in the 24-hour economy initiative,” the President said.
Registration and Incentives for Businesses
President Mahama explained that once established, the Authority will be responsible for registering businesses that opt into the 24-hour economy initiative and clearly outlining the incentives available to participating firms. These incentives, he noted, are designed to encourage private and public sector actors to adopt round-the-clock operations to boost productivity and job creation.
He stressed that early adopters, such as the Ghana Publishing Company, are well positioned to benefit significantly from the initiative once it is fully operational.
Boost for Ghana Publishing Company
During the visit, President Mahama also welcomed efforts by the sector minister to secure increased government support for the Ghana Publishing Company. He revealed that the minister has engaged the Ministers of Education and Finance to ensure the company receives a substantial share of government contracts for the printing of textbooks and other learning materials.
“I’m happy to know that the minister has lobbied the Minister of Education and the Minister of Finance so that when we start printing textbooks and learning materials, Ghana Publishing should get a big chunk of that contract,” he said.
The President noted that increased revenue from such contracts would support the company’s ongoing retooling and modernization efforts, enabling it to operate more efficiently under the 24-hour economy framework.
Driving Productivity and Economic Transformation
President Mahama encouraged the management of the Ghana Publishing Company to formally register under the 24-hour economy initiative once the Authority is established. He expressed confidence that the policy would enhance productivity, strengthen state-owned enterprises, and contribute to broader economic transformation.
The 24-hour economy policy, a key pillar of the government’s economic agenda, is expected to expand employment opportunities, improve the utilization of infrastructure, and stimulate sustained growth across key sectors of the economy once fully implemented.
