President John Dramani Mahama has today assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025, officially giving it the force of law and setting the stage for full implementation of the government’s flagship economic transformation policy.
In a brief ceremony held ahead of the 13th cabinet meeting, President Mahama appended his signature to the legislation, marking a decisive shift “from strategy to implementation” of the long-awaited 24-hour economy agenda. He described the bill as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic transformation efforts.
“This bill, which Ghanaians have been waiting for, was one of our flagship strategies for economic transformation,” the President said, noting that due diligence in the legislative process delayed assent but was necessary to give the policy robust legal backing. He added that the business sector, local and foreign investors are now eager to see the incentive packages and regulatory frameworks that will make the 24-hour economy fully operational. The initiative is expected to stimulate productive activity, boost investment, expand jobs particularly for young people and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Central Coordinating Authority Established
The newly enacted law establishes the 24-Hour Economy Authority as the central coordinating body charged with steering the nationwide implementation of the round-the-clock economy programme. The Authority will align public and private sector efforts, address infrastructure and regulatory requirements, and mobilize investment to support continuous production, services, and commerce across key sectors.
Parliament approved the bill on 6 February 2026, following several days of robust debate between Majority and Minority members on the floor of the House. The measure was laid before legislators in late 2025 as part of the government’s broader economic agenda.
Government planners say the transition to a 24-hour economy is aimed at tackling structural challenges in Ghana’s productive sectors, reducing reliance on exporting raw materials, and curbing dependence on costly imports by expanding domestic value-added production.
A Key Campaign Promise
The 24-Hour Economy policy was among the key promises of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 general elections. Its backers argue that extended operating hours, coupled with targeted incentives, could unlock new economic opportunities, transform markets, and create a more dynamic business environment.
Opposition voices have previously raised concerns about institutional overlap and implementation costs, but the government maintains that the Authority will streamline coordination and drive inclusive growth.
With the legal framework now in place, stakeholders across government and the private sector are expected to intensify preparations for nationwide rollout of the 24-hour economy programme in the coming months.