The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) reaffirmed strong support for the government’s 24 Hour Economy policy on Sunday, emphasizing that industry must drive the initiative for it to succeed while welcoming the passage of the 24 Hour Economy Authority Bill into law.
In a statement signed by AGI President Pharmacist Kofi Nsiah-Poku on February 9, 2026, the industry body stated that the core of the 24 Hour Economy is industrial and agricultural development. He emphasized that services are important but must be linked to production.
Parliament passed the 24 Hour Economy Authority Bill 2025 on Friday, February 6, 2026, providing legislative backing for one of the flagship policies of the John Dramani Mahama administration. The legislation establishes a corporate body to coordinate policy implementation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and facilitate incentives for continuous industrial operations.
The AGI commended government for recent tax reforms but noted that legislative measures alone would not automatically result in active participation or job creation unless deliberate steps were taken to improve the business environment. The association stated that this initiative represents a bold step toward unlocking Ghana’s economic potential through round the clock productivity supported by a framework that stimulates investment and strengthens supply chains.
Nsiah-Poku explained that operating around the clock requires reliable infrastructure, affordable electricity, access to development financing, and efficient transportation and security systems. He stated that when industries work in shifts, financial institutions must also support them, adding that workers need transport and security in what must be a coordinated ecosystem.
The AGI President disclosed that the association had engaged the 24 Hour Economy Secretariat extensively and contributed ideas to the policy framework. The association is also in discussions with financial institutions including development finance institutions to secure medium to long term funding for industrial expansion.
Nsiah-Poku emphasized the importance of developing local value chains to reduce dependence on imported raw materials. He noted that if enterprises import most of their inputs, they remain at the mercy of exchange rate fluctuations, adding that strong local value chains ensure competitive pricing.
He added that government’s role in facilitating infrastructure, credit access and regulatory enforcement was critical. The AGI pledged to sensitize its members to prepare for operational adjustments including capacity development and technical upgrades to enable them to participate effectively in the 24 Hour Economy framework.
The AGI welcomed proposed incentives including tax rebates for multi shift operations, subsidized night time electricity tariffs and fast track import duty waivers for production equipment. The statement noted these measures will enable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing, agro processing and export sectors to expand operations, create jobs and increase local production.
While acknowledging that the incentives could reduce government revenue in the short term, AGI argued that supporting local industry would drive structural transformation, broaden the future tax base and enhance long term growth and fiscal stability. The statement emphasized the need for efficient and transparent access to fiscal and monetary incentives particularly in light of challenges experienced with the Tax Exemptions Act 2022 Act 1083.
AGI urged that beneficiaries of existing initiatives such as One District One Factory (1D1F) be integrated into the 24 hour economy framework. Nsiah-Poku stated that many of these facilities are currently operating below capacity, adding that targeted support will revive production, strengthen industrial output and create additional jobs.
The association noted that Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators are trending positively but emphasized the need for export diversification to sustain these gains. The statement noted that to sustain and deepen these gains achieved through the efforts of the President, the Minister for Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, there is a critical need to diversify the export base.
The AGI stated that its membership spanning agriculture, agro processing, manufacturing and services places the association at the center of driving the policy’s success. The organization pledged to partner government to make the 24 Hour Economy a success and ensure it delivers exports, jobs and shared prosperity.
The AGI expressed expectations for strong regulatory oversight, effective public private coordination, mobilization of investment and provision of infrastructure to support 24 hour operations. The association reaffirmed its alignment with the strategic pillars of Grow24, Build24 and Make24.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga stated during parliamentary debate that the legislation was designed to tackle the crisis of youth unemployment and empower the private sector to spearhead job creation. He explained that one of the key pillars of the initiative was Production Systems Development Transformation and Supply Chain Management.
The Bill is anchored on three main pillars including production systems development and transformation, development of supply chain and market systems, and labor development. The 2026 Budget allocated over 100 million cedis to finance the Authority’s activities and operations.
Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza defended the policy during parliamentary consideration on Thursday, February 5, arguing that it is already being implemented through the government’s Big Push infrastructure program. He stated contractors across the country are currently working around the clock on major road and infrastructure projects to meet delivery timelines.
However, Member of Parliament for Bekwai Raph Poku Adusei cautioned that the proposed 24 Hour Economy Authority could create conflicts of interest and undermine its intended purpose. He questioned provisions in the bill that allow use of information without authorization, arguing such language could enable misuse.
The Gold Coast Refinery signed an agreement with the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to refine approximately 52,000 kilograms of gold annually beginning February 1, 2026. The deal requires Gold Coast Refinery to process one metric ton of gold weekly, with operations around the clock in line with the government’s 24 hour economy policy.
The Feed Industries program led by the Ministry of Trade Industries and Agribusiness is projected to generate more than 18,000 direct and indirect jobs across farming, mechanization, aggregation, processing, logistics, quality control, packaging and exports. The program incorporates integrated accommodation models to support shift based work typical of continuous production environments.
The AGI represents over 1,200 member companies across 22 business sectors including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics, textiles, wood products, paper products, metals and engineering. The association operates through six regional branches providing business development services, policy advocacy and networking platforms for members.
