In a massive boost for young entrepreneurs, the 24-Hour Economy Authority, under the Mahama Administration, has officially opened applications for start-up and expansion loans of up to GH₵500,000.

The announcement, made today, Thursday, May 14, 2026, follows the recent operationalization of the 24-Hour Economy Authority Act, which President Mahama assented to in February. The loan scheme is designed specifically for businesses that commit to a multi-shift operational model to drive productivity and job creation.

Financing the "24H+" Vision

The initiative, dubbed "Financing Ghana’s 24-Hour Future," is a collaboration between the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana, and participating commercial banks.

Loan Cap: Startups and small businesses can apply for up to GH₵500,000, while larger "Anchor" firms can access higher tiers of financing based on their export capacity.

The "Shift" Requirement: To qualify, businesses must demonstrate a clear plan to operate at least two or three shifts (covering day and night) and show how they will create new employment for youth.

Incentive Package: Beyond the cash, certified "24/7 Ready" businesses will receive tax rebates, preferential electricity tariffs (night-time discounts), and guaranteed access to the newly launched Ghana Mall for product distribution.

Who Can Apply?

The Authority is targeting specific high-growth sectors where continuous production adds the most value to the economy:

Agro-Processing: Startups involved in value addition for cocoa, shea, cashew, and staple crops.

Manufacturing: Small-scale factories producing garments, pharmaceuticals, or industrial inputs.

Digital Services: Tech hubs, call centers, and data processing firms serving international time zones.

Creative Industries: Film production, animation, and 24-hour music and arts hubs.

How to Apply

Young entrepreneurs are encouraged to register their interest through the official 24H+ portal (24hplus.gov.gh).

The Process: Applicants must first undergo a "Readiness Certification" to prove their business can handle round-the-clock operations. Once certified, they are matched with partner financial institutions for the loan disbursement.

The "Adwumawura" Link: The National Youth Authority (NYA), led by CEO Osman Ayariga, is also providing technical support and training for applicants through the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) and the Adwumawura business incubation scheme.