The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has raised concerns over the government’s handling of the 24-hour economy initiative, suggesting that the 2026 budget allocation signals a lack of serious commitment.
According to the think tank, the 24-hour economy, a flagship policy of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, requires substantial funding to be effectively implemented. However, the Finance Ministry allocated only GH₵110 million to the program’s secretariat, a figure far below the projected requirement.
The IERPP highlighted that the full rollout of the 24-hour economy was estimated to need approximately US$4 billion, according to earlier government statements. By comparison, the 2026 allocation represents only a tiny fraction of the necessary resources, raising doubts about the government’s dedication to the policy.
Experts warn that such underfunding could hinder the operationalization of the 24-hour economy, which was presented as a key driver for job creation, increased productivity, and economic diversification. The think tank emphasized that token funding may amount to little more than symbolic commitment without tangible impact on businesses and employment.
The call for serious investment into the initiative reflects broader concerns that promises made in the electoral manifesto must be matched with concrete budgetary support to be credible. Without substantial funding, the 24-hour economy program risks remaining a policy on paper rather than a transformative economic tool for Ghana.
