Reliable Electricity Crucial for 24-Hour Economy – Asantehene 

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has emphasized the importance of a stable and reliable energy supply in realizing Ghana’s ambition of a 24-hour economy. He called on investors to channel support into the country’s energy sector, highlighting its central role in national development.

Speaking during a meeting with officials from Dream Power Africa, a solar energy company, on Wednesday, May 21, at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene noted that electricity access, particularly in rural areas, is vital for sustaining economic activity around the clock.

“The government is promoting the idea of a 24-hour economy. For this to succeed, energy must be readily available, not just in the cities but in rural areas too. Industries also require constant power to operate efficiently,” he stated. “A reliable energy sector will broadly contribute to Ghana’s overall development.”

The 24-hour economy concept, championed by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 general elections, aims to stimulate economic growth by encouraging businesses and public services in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and ICT to operate in shifts throughout the day and night.

Former President John Dramani Mahama, the lead advocate of the initiative, has described it as a key strategy in Ghana’s industrialisation agenda and a proactive measure to tackle youth unemployment. He has assured that the policy will be voluntary and supported by the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks.

Although the initiative is yet to be fully implemented, Mahama has appointed Augustus “Goosie” Tanoh as the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, tasking him with spearheading the rollout of this flagship programme.