Accra, October 21, 2025:
The Director and Head of Partnership and Marketing at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, Dr. Ishmael Nii Dodoo, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to generating over 400,000 jobs annually under Ghana’s 24-hour economy initiative.
He made this known during a press interview at the Center for Policy Scrutiny (CPS) presentation of a review paper on the theme “Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Program: A Critical Review”, held at the CPS Office in Kokomlemle, Accra.
Dr. Dodoo described the CPS initiative as a timely and important reflection on how academia and policy actors are assimilating the concept of a 24-hour economy within Ghana’s broader national development framework.
“It was very refreshing to see how the policy has been accepted and understood by many people. The 24-hour economy is private sector-driven, but its success depends on strong coordination with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) to align with Ghana’s multi-year development plan,” he stated.
He emphasized that collaboration with the NDPC and the alignment of ministries, departments, and agencies with the initiative’s performance goals are crucial to ensuring effective implementation.
Highlighting ongoing work, Dr. Dodoo revealed that the Secretariat is already pursuing nine strategic projects, many of which are located within the Volta Economic Corridor, with feasibility studies underway and growing interest from private sector investors.
According to him, the 24-hour economy initiative draws inspiration from global economic transformation models, citing examples such as the New Deal in the United States under President Roosevelt, China’s economic reforms under Mao Zedong, and Singapore’s developmental strategies under Lee Kuan Yew.
“We have also studied success stories from Botswana, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone to understand both the drivers of growth and the challenges that can hinder progress,” he added.
Dr. Dodoo outlined three main pillars of the implementation strategy:
1. Ensuring all projects are bankable and investor-ready,
2. Mobilizing industries capable of operating under 24-hour systems, and
3. Supporting entrepreneurs with innovative ideas through the establishment of an SME Facility.
He disclosed that the Secretariat has secured a $500 million agreement with BADEA to fund this SME Facility, which will provide capital and capacity-building support to small and medium enterprises.
“This should give hope to the youth. If you have a business idea or plan—whether in agriculture, logistics, textiles, or services—submit it through our portal at [enterprise24h+.gov.gh](https://enterprise24h+.gov.gh). We have experts ready to work with you to turn your ideas into viable businesses,” he encouraged.
Dr. Dodoo acknowledged that the program’s rollout may appear gradual as the Secretariat builds a solid foundation for long-term impact but assured that tangible results will emerge soon.
“Such a big program requires a systematic approach to build the foundations for liftoff,” he said, adding that the Secretariat remains committed to realizing its vision of job creation and inclusive growth.
Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr.
