24-Hour Economy Secretariat Defends Programme, Cites $5.5 Billion Investment Commitments

The Secretariat of the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme has dismissed claims that the policy has failed to produce results, insisting that the initiative has moved beyond the planning stage and is already attracting major investments, creating jobs and expanding round-the-clock economic activities.

In a statement responding to comments by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Secretariat said the programme should be assessed based on investments mobilised, production capacity, exports and employment opportunities rather than direct government expenditure.

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According to the Secretariat, the programme had secured $5.5 billion in Joint Development Agreements with co-development partners as of May 2026.

It also disclosed that 268 filling stations and 33 manufacturing companies have already begun operating under the initiative’s multi-shift production model.

“The right measure is the investment the Programme mobilises and the production, exports and jobs it generates,” the Secretariat stated.

The response follows claims by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah that the policy had yet to produce tangible results despite significant government attention since its launch.

However, the Secretariat rejected suggestions that the programme had benefited from the GH¢650 billion approved by Parliament for government spending over the past two years.

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According to the Secretariat, the amount represents Ghana’s total national budget allocation for all government programmes and not expenditure specifically made on the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

“The GHS650 billion cited by Hon. Oppong Nkrumah is the total that Parliament has appropriated for all government programmes over the past two years. It is by no means the expenditure made by or on the 24-Hour Economy,” the statement explained.

The Secretariat further stated that the programme is primarily driven by private-sector investment, with both Ghanaian and foreign companies expected to finance the majority of projects.

It explained that the government’s role is largely limited to project preparation, coordination and viability gap financing where necessary.

“Almost all of the projects are funded by private investors: Ghanaian and foreign companies and cooperatives,” it added.

The Secretariat revealed that the initiative aims to create 1.7 million decent jobs by the end of 2028, noting that four agreements signed within the past 90 days alone are expected to generate more than 160,000 direct jobs.

Among the flagship projects highlighted is the $1.45 billion Buipe Solar and Battery Project, expected to generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity while creating approximately 13,000 jobs.

It also cited the $250 million Kambonwule Oil Palm Complex, which is projected to create about 120,000 jobs once fully operational.

According to the Secretariat, several public institutions, including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Ghana Publishing Company, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), have also introduced 24-hour service delivery as part of the initiative.

The Secretariat maintained that the phased implementation of the programme is intentional, allowing government to secure investment partners, develop bankable projects and resolve challenges relating to land acquisition, infrastructure and reliable electricity supply.

It expressed confidence that the programme’s impact will become increasingly visible through expanded industrial production, increased exports, new investments and sustained job creation.