By Felix Larry ESSILFIE
Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its development journey, aspiring to sustain robust economic growth and ensure equitable prosperity for its citizens.
As the nation contemplates strategic policy interventions that could catalyze economic transformation, the concept of a 24-hour economy emerges as a compelling option.
Far from simply extending operating hours, a 24-hour economy embodies a holistic framework in which social, infrastructural, and regulatory structures support continuous economic activities around the clock.
This approach seeks to optimize the use of capital, labor, and technology, thereby unleashing productivity and growth potentials that remain dormant under the conventional daytime-focused economic model.
Against the backdrop of Ghana’s quest to create jobs, modernize industries, and secure a prosperous future, it becomes instructive to examine how a well-structured 24-hour economy can serve as a powerful engine for growth, and what measures are needed to ensure its smooth and inclusive implementation.
The notion of a 24-hour economy has gained ground in global discourse, largely because it offers a sustainable way to capitalize on the increasingly interconnected and technologically driven global marketplace.
In a continuous economy, businesses operate beyond the typical workday, allowing them to reach more customers, meet heightened consumer demand, and leverage facilities more efficiently. For Ghana, where key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and services are primed for rapid expansion, there is ample scope to reap these benefits.
The country’s relatively youthful population—often cited as a demographic dividend—also offers a ready and adaptable workforce that can pivot to flexible schedules, night shifts, and around-the-clock service delivery.
Furthermore, Ghana’s strategic location in West Africa, coupled with its reputation for political stability, could make it a regional hub for trade and services if it successfully positions itself as a round-the-clock economy that supports foreign investment and cross-border commerce.
One of the most evident outcomes of adopting a 24-hour economic model lies in its potential to address labor market constraints, particularly high youth unemployment and underemployment. By extending operational hours in different sectors, businesses can significantly expand their labor requirements.
Such expansion would likely generate employment across a range of skill levels—from low-skilled services such as security, retail, and hospitality to more advanced roles in finance, information technology, and healthcare.
For instance, a hospital that commits to providing specialized services around the clock would need additional medical professionals, laboratory technicians, administrative staff, and support workers to maintain service quality through all hours.
On a broader scale, as jobs multiply, the resulting boost in household incomes and consumer spending would induce a multiplier effect, creating additional demand for goods and services across the economy.
Nowhere is the promise of a 24-hour economy more evident than in the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy. For decades, inefficiencies in the supply chain—such as post-harvest losses and unreliable transportation—have constrained agricultural productivity.
With an around-the-clock system, transport networks and logistics providers could operate through the night, transporting produce before spoilage sets in, especially for perishable products like fruits, vegetables, and fish. Cold storage facilities that run seamlessly at all hours would help stabilize food supply, enable better price management, and reduce wastage.
A robust nighttime logistics operation could also encourage more farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, to invest in productivity-enhancing measures, knowing they can reach markets faster and more reliably.
Similarly, a 24-hour economy could be transformative for tourism and services, which offer Ghana a chance to diversify its economic base. Many global cities with vibrant night economies—such as New York, Dubai, and London—report that their cultural, entertainment, and hospitality sectors contribute significantly to their GDP, job market, and global brand appeal.
In Ghana, extending operational hours for museums, cultural centers, night markets, entertainment spots, and restaurants can attract both local and international tourists seeking unique nighttime experiences. Tourists often enjoy a country’s heritage and leisure offerings at varied times, and a well-managed 24-hour hospitality ecosystem can become a major draw.
Such an arrangement would require concerted efforts to ensure safety, robust transportation options, and well-lit public spaces, but the potential returns in foreign exchange earnings and enhanced international reputation make it an appealing proposition.
Despite these opportunities, the transition to a 24-hour economic model in Ghana also brings forth a series of formidable challenges that demand effective policy interventions. Chief among these is the issue of energy supply, as round-the-clock economic activity hinges on reliable electricity.
Ghana has made considerable strides in energy generation in recent years, yet challenges remain in distribution, cost, and the integration of renewable sources. Establishing a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy mix is paramount.
Policymakers could consider investing in solar and wind projects, especially in the northern parts of the country where insolation and wind speeds are comparatively favorable. Encouraging private-sector participation through public-private partnerships would provide the capital needed for modernizing the national grid and ensuring that energy production scales in line with the demands of a 24-hour society.
Labor dynamics also warrant close scrutiny. Night shifts, flexible scheduling, and 24-hour operations can strain workers if not managed responsibly. The risk of exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and health-related issues could spike if labor laws do not evolve alongside this economic transition.
Policymakers, labor unions, and the private sector must work together to craft comprehensive regulations that protect workers from excessive overtime, ensure fair wages, and guarantee adequate rest periods. Public awareness campaigns can also help demystify night work and reduce societal stigma, thereby expanding the pool of individuals willing to fill nighttime roles.
Additionally, appropriate training and skill-building initiatives would be needed to prepare the workforce—particularly the youth—to thrive in these new opportunities.
Security is another significant concern in any attempt to build a thriving nighttime economy. Businesses and individuals must feel safe to operate, travel, and transact during the late hours.
Ghana’s law enforcement agencies would require enhanced capacity, including advanced surveillance technologies, community policing strategies, and training specialized in nighttime security. Strategic street lighting, especially in urban centers, can go a long way in deterring criminal activities.
Case studies from global cities that have successfully implemented nighttime economies, such as Singapore, indicate that a combination of strong law enforcement presence and modernized infrastructure can mitigate potential risks and boost public confidence.
Infrastructure development remains indispensable for supporting the demands of continuous operations. Transport networks—including roads, railways, airports, and maritime facilities—should be upgraded and expanded to handle increased traffic flows at all hours.
Urban public transport systems must also adapt, offering safe and affordable services to night workers and consumers. In addition, digital infrastructure must be robust enough to enable seamless e-commerce, remote work, and data-driven operations.
Strong internet connectivity, reliable telecommunication networks, and cybersecurity measures form the backbone of modern economies, particularly those aspiring to run 24 hours a day. By strategically investing in both physical and digital infrastructure, Ghana could create an enabling environment for businesses and entrepreneurs to innovate and expand.
For Ghana, data projections underscore the promise of a 24-hour economy. Some economists estimate that effective implementation could add between 2% and 4% to GDP growth over a five-year horizon, spurred by the combined effects of increased trade, higher foreign direct investment, and expanded internal markets.
Employment rates could improve markedly, with youth employment seeing some of the most significant gains given the flexibility that nighttime operations might afford. Over time, as exports grow and import dependence lessens due to expanded local production, the nation’s balance of payments could stabilize, enhancing macroeconomic resilience.
Ultimately, the 24-hour economy is not merely an economic plan but a transformative vision for a modern Ghana. It holds the promise of creating more inclusive labor markets, promoting efficient resource utilization, and showcasing Ghana as an attractive investment destination.
It also challenges existing norms—requiring thoughtful planning, cultural openness, and robust governance. It invites policymakers to think beyond traditional constraints, harnessing the innovative spirit of Ghana’s entrepreneurs and the potential of its youth to build an economy that literally never sleeps.
The time is ripe for a collective commitment to realize this vision. Policymakers, business owners, civil society activists, and international agencies must converge on a shared blueprint that lays out the infrastructure investments, regulatory reforms, labor protections, and security enhancements essential for a round-the-clock economy.
By embracing this bold approach, Ghana stands poised to redefine its growth trajectory, positioning itself as a frontrunner in Africa’s economic renaissance. The call to action is clear: let the planning, investment, and cooperation begin in earnest, so that Ghana can capitalize on its many comparative advantages and forge a future where productivity, innovation, and opportunity know no bounds—even as the sun sets each day.
