In a landmark move for Ghana's economic landscape, President John Dramani Mahama officially signed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025 into law on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The signing ceremony, held at Jubilee House ahead of the 13th Cabinet meeting, marks the formal transition of the government's flagship policy from a campaign strategy to an active legal framework.
The new law establishes the 24-Hour Economy Authority, a central coordinating body tasked with overseeing the nationwide rollout and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and regulatory systems are in place to support round-the-clock economic activity.
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| President John Mahama |
Key Features of the 24-Hour Economy Act
The legislation is anchored on transforming Ghana into an import-substitution and export-led economy by encouraging businesses to operate in a three-shift system of eight hours each.
Tax & Financial Incentives: Participating businesses will receive specific tax breaks and fiscal incentives to reduce operational costs and enhance global competitiveness.Cheaper Power (ToU Tariffs): Companies signed onto the policy will use modern smart meters calibrated for a Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff system, offering significantly lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.
24/7 Security Architecture: The Ministry of Interior has established a dedicated policing secretariat to provide continuous security and night patrols, ensuring a safe environment for late-shift workers.
Sector Focus: While the policy is inclusive, it prioritizes agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and extractive industries.
Moving "From Strategy to Action"
During the signing, President Mahama emphasized that the "wait is over" for investors and the business sector. He noted that while the legislative process required careful scrutiny to ensure a sound framework, the focus now shifts entirely to implementation.
"The business sector is waiting, Ghanaian investors are waiting, foreign investors are waiting... they want to see the package of incentives that we can afford, so that they can invest more and expand productivity." — President John Mahama
The government projects that the full implementation of this policy could create at least 1.7 million quality jobs for the youth within four years by activating underutilized industrial capacity.
Context: Parliamentary Approval and Criticism
The bill was passed by Parliament on February 6, 2026, following extensive debates. While the Majority hailed it as a "hope for the youth," the Minority in Parliament raised concerns about potential bureaucracy.
Critics, including MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, argued that global 24-hour hubs like London or Dubai did not start with a central "Authority" and expressed worries that the new body might duplicate the functions of existing agencies like the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA). Despite these objections, the government maintains that a central coordinating secretariat is essential to align the efforts of multiple ministries and the private sector.
What Happens Next for the 24-Hour Economy
With the bill now law, the 24-Hour Economy Authority will begin the formal registration of participating companies.
Incentive Rollout: The government is expected to publish the full package of monetary and fiscal instruments available to businesses in the coming weeks.Infrastructure Upgrades: MMDAs are tasked with improving street lighting and sanitation services to support extended working hours in major cities.
Public Sector Shifts: Strategic state institutions, including the Passport Office, DVLA, and Customs, are expected to be among the first to transition to full 24/7 operations to improve service delivery.
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