President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a transformative economic initiative dubbed the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), positioning it as Ghana’s flagship agenda to achieve inclusive growth, job creation, and long-term economic resilience. The programme, according to the government, is designed to build a self-reliant, industrial, and export-driven economy anchored in integrated value chains, efficient markets, skilled labour, and enhanced regional and global competitiveness. The 24H+ programme serves a dual purpose, both a vision and a framework for implementation. As a destination, it also envisions a Ghana where economic activity operates around the clock, reflecting a robust, high-productivity environment across sectors. The programme lays out a strategic roadmap for restructuring the economy through targeted interventions in agro-processing, digital innovation, infrastructure, logistics, skills development, and export competitiveness. “This is not just a plan, it is a national call to action,” President Mahama stated during a recent policy dialogue. “It is about harnessing the full power of our people, our industries, and our global partnerships to transform the Ghanaian economy from the ground up.” The 24H+ initiative also aligns with global trends where round-the-clock economies are emerging in response to technological advances and shifting consumer demands. It particularly draws inspiration from successful models in countries like Singapore and South Korea, which have leveraged 24-hour economic systems to drive export-led growth and employment. The president’s team emphasised that the 24H+ is “fundamentally a citizens’ and partners’ mobilisation programme,” built on the belief that the transformation Ghana seeks cannot be accomplished by government alone. It also calls for full national mobilisation with defined roles for both the public and private sectors, as well as development partners and the diaspora. In line with this inclusive approach, the 24H+ Programme document is currently being circulated widely to solicit input and build momentum. Citizens, investors, civil society, and international partners are being invited to engage with the policy as stakeholders in Ghana’s development journey. The 24H+ rollout comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with persistent trade deficits, high youth unemployment, and vulnerability to external economic shocks. The Mahama led government hopes that the programme will serve as a long-term blueprint for addressing these structural issues by reducing import dependence, generating foreign exchange through exports, and creating decent, sustainable jobs for millions of Ghanaians.