President John Dramani Mahama has silenced critics and delivered on a key campaign promise, officially launching the much-anticipated 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme – the cornerstone policy that propelled the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to victory in the 2024 general election.
Unveiled on July 2, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre, Mahama declared the initiative far more than mere policy; he hailed it as a “national reset” designed to fundamentally reshape Ghana’s economic destiny.
A Bold Strategic Shift: The ’24-H Plus Agenda’
Dubbed the “24-H Plus Agenda,” President Mahama emphasized that this strategic plan is poised to drastically boost productivity, supercharge export growth, and cultivate inclusive economic opportunities across every sector of the nation.
“Today marks the official launch of the 24-hour economy and accelerated export development programme, which we now proudly refer to as the 24-H Plus Agenda,” Mahama declared, his voice ringing with conviction.
“This is beyond a policy initiative; it represents a national reset, a bold strategic shift to unlock our country’s full productive potential.”
Framing the policy within Ghana’s rich historical and ideological tapestry, Mahama boldly proclaimed the agenda as a triumphant return to the nation’s founding principles.
“Today we reclaim our founders’ vision of a self-sufficient, industrious, and inclusive African nation that operates with organized creativity and ensures prosperity for everyone,” he asserted.
Crucially, the President stressed that while the government would play a vital supportive and catalytic role, the private sector would be the primary engine driving this transformative program.
Eight Pillars Of Progress: The ’24’ Initiatives
The 24-hour economy, Mahama revealed, will be meticulously structured around eight core areas, each championed by a forward-thinking slogan: Grow 24, Make 24, Build 24, Show 24, Connect 24, Fund 24, Aspire 24, and Go 24.
Grow 24 will revolutionize agriculture through technology and climate-smart practices, ensuring continuous production and food security.
Make 24 will champion industrialization and manufacturing, pushing for 24-hour factory operations to skyrocket output, exports, and job creation.
Build 24 will fortify construction and infrastructure, supporting round-the-clock projects and promoting decent housing nationwide.
Show 24 is set to elevate Ghana’s creative arts, tourism, and entertainment sectors, positioning the nation as a global hub for culture and investment.
Connect 24 will enhance digital infrastructure, transport, and energy systems, guaranteeing seamless connectivity for businesses and individuals alike.
Fund 24 will expand financial inclusion, encouraging banks, fintechs, and microfinance institutions to operate extended hours, improving access to credit and services.
Aspire 24 focuses on human capital development, investing heavily in skills training, education, and entrepreneurship, especially for the youth.
Finally, Go 24 will serve as the operational backbone, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the entire policy framework’s performance.
This comprehensive proposal has been the NDC flagbearer’s clarion call, steadfastly maintained as the ultimate game-changer for Ghana’s economic recovery, youth employment, and inclusive national development.
Criticism Welcome: A Dynamic, Adaptable Initiative
In a refreshing display of transparency, Mr. Goosie Tanoh, Special Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, affirmed that the new policy is fully open to public review and continuous input, stressing that constructive criticism is vital for its ultimate success.
Speaking at the launch, Tanoh described the 24-Hour Economy as a dynamic, science-based initiative, firmly rooted in social democratic values, yet flexible enough to adapt to Ghana’s evolving landscape.
“We at the secretariat are confident that we will keep receiving constructive criticism and suggestions for further enhancement.
Criticism is always appreciated. We view the 24-hour programme as a living initiative, enriched by science and strong social democratic principles, yet flexible enough to tactically respond to a changing environment,” he stated.
Tanoh emphasized that the long-term triumph of this initiative hinges on continuous learning, adaptability, and the readiness to adjust strategies based on feedback and changing circumstances.
“This is the only way a programme can transform our society in the short, medium, and long term,” he added.
He also lauded President Mahama’s leadership, hailing him as a visionary dedicated to forging a resilient economy built on responsible entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
“We can confidently say that our President is a true advocate for responsible entrepreneurship and national transformation. We, as a nation, we, as a people, have what it takes to succeed,” Tanoh concluded.
The launch event drew a massive crowd, with scores of Ghanaians flooding the Accra International Conference Centre, eager to witness this pivotal moment in the nation’s economic trajectory.
By PHILIP ANTOH