Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the Oti Region have signed contracts to implement the 24-Hour Economy Markets Project. This project is a crucial step towards operationalizing the government’s wider 24-hour economy agenda at a local level. The initiative launched on April 30, 2026.
The 24-Hour Economy policy aims to shift Ghana from an import-dependent, eight-hour work culture. It intends to create a 24/7, production-led, and export-oriented economy. The policy expects to generate over 1.7 million jobs by 2026. It also seeks to help stabilize the national currency, the Ghana cedi. This project will encourage businesses and selected public institutions to operate on a three-shift system. This system involves three eight-hour working periods to maintain round-the-clock activity.
This initiative fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy to enhance domestic productivity and reduce reliance on imports. Ghana's economy has faced currency volatility, which this policy aims to alleviate through increased export earnings. The government has prioritized job creation as a core objective in its economic planning, targeting a significant increase in employment. The 2024 election campaign heavily featured commitments to such job-generating and economy-boosting projects.
Oti Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong confirmed the contract signing. He stated it is part of delivering on promises made to Ghanaians during the 2024 election campaign. Mr. Gyapong called this development an important step in turning policy promises into practical actions benefitting communities. Dean of MMDAs in the Oti Region, Prosper Addo, and other MDCEs welcomed the initiative. They described it as a turning point for development across the region. They stressed that these projects will strengthen socio-economic activity once completed. This includes expanding trading opportunities for market women and improving residents' livelihoods across the Oti region.
The contract signing will accelerate preparatory work in selected districts. Stakeholders will position local markets to benefit from extended operating hours. They will also improve infrastructure and increase commercial activity under the 24-hour economy policy. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the policy's implementation for its impact on employment figures and economic output. Effective supervision and monitoring will be critical to ensure the projects deliver quality and timely results. The success of these regional initiatives could influence the broader adoption of the 24-hour economy model nationwide.