President John Mahama says the government will soon establish the 24-Hour Authority, a key step towards the full rollout of the 24-hour economy policy, including the registration of participating businesses and the definition of incentives to support them.
The President made this known on Thursday, January 8, during a visit to the Ghana Publishing Company, where he commended management for adopting innovative approaches, including operating a two-shift system in anticipation of the policy’s implementation.
According to President Mahama, the committee tasked with reviewing the 24-hour economy framework has completed its work and is expected to present its report to Parliament to pave the way for the creation of the Authority.
“I’m happy to note that the committee has finished considering it and it’s supposed to go onto the floor of Parliament to set up the 24-Hour Authority, which would then open the way for implementation and registration of all the businesses that will be involved in the 24-hour economy initiative,” he said.
He explained that the Authority will also clearly spell out the incentives available to businesses that sign on to the initiative, stressing that early adopters such as the Ghana Publishing Company stand to benefit significantly.
President Mahama further welcomed efforts by the sector minister to lobby the Ministers of Education and Finance to ensure that the Ghana Publishing Company receives a substantial share of the government textbook and learning materials contracts.
“I’m happy to know that the minister has lobbied the Minister of Education and the Minister of Finance so that when we start printing textbooks and learning materials, Ghana Publishing should get a big chunk of that contract,” he noted, adding that increased revenue would help the company continue its ongoing retooling exercise.
The President encouraged management to formally register under the 24-hour economy initiative once the Authority is established, expressing confidence that the policy will help boost productivity, strengthen state-owned enterprises, and drive broader economic transformation.
