Importers & Exporters Hail 24-Hour Economy as Game-Changer for Ghana’s Export & Industrial Growth

The exporters and importers community is brimming with excitement following the official launch of the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, describing it as a transformative policy that could unlock unprecedented opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, and farmers across the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association (IEA), Samson Asaki Awingobit, says the policy is “a bigger opportunity for Ghanaian exporters” and a turning point in Ghana’s quest for industrial transformation and export diversification.

Speaking in an interview with The High Street Journal, Samson Asaki noted that the thematic areas of the export infrastructure plans are a serious economic policy designed for now and the future.

Unlocking Ghana’s Export Potential Through Maritime Innovation

One of the policy’s standout features is its ambitious plan to revitalize Volta Lake for cargo transportation, creating a direct corridor from Tema Port to the northern regions, and potentially linking northern Ghana to export markets in Europe. This could significantly reduce transportation costs and travel time for exporters, while opening up new trade opportunities for farmers and manufacturers in the north.

“When you come to the maritime aspect, they are talking about how to look at the Volta lake again, that we can carry cargo from the Tema port to the northern part of Ghana, that we can pick cargo from the northern part of Ghana, and straight to Europe for exporters to sell. It’s going to give opportunity to Ghanaians who want to go into tomatoes farming, chilli pepper, and manufacturing, and I’m happy that they talk about Akosombo textiles and then Juapong textiles. This is the area that you should invest in so much,” the Executive Secretary said.

A New Era of Public-Private Partnership

The association also sees the policy as a new dawn for public-private partnership and has also welcomed the president’s assurance that the government will serve as a facilitator, not a competitor, paving the way for private sector-led growth.

He was extremely excited that all the financial institutions that spoke at the launch have expressed interest in supporting industries. To him, now is the time for businesses to engage them, pitch ideas, and secure the financing and support needed to scale up production and exports.

Samson Asaki further added that the national secretariat for the 24-Hour Economy is set to offer technical guidance to businesses, while the Accelerated Export Development Committee, which is being set up as a statutory body under the Office of the President, will ensure long-term policy stability and drive export-led growth beyond any single administration.

Infrastructure, Jobs, and Long-Term Vision

Beyond exports, the association is excited that policy outlines plans to expand air cargo capacity, modernize port infrastructure, and stimulate round-the-clock production and services. This is expected to create a ripple effect across value chains, from farm gates to packaging houses, processors, and logistics providers.

“This is not just a policy for today,” he said. “It’s for the next generation, the next government, the next wave of Ghanaian entrepreneurs and exporters. It’s going to touch everyone, the farmer, the buyer, the processor.”

A Cushion for the Economy

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the 24-Hour Economy, according to the business community, is its potential to boost foreign exchange earnings and stabilize the cedi through increased non-traditional exports.

For him, if Ghana exports more, it brings in more forex. That’s how, he says, we cushion the economy and Ghana can reduce borrowing and grow sustainably. The association is convinced that the 24-Hour Economy is more than just an idea; it’s a call to action, and the private sector is ready to respond.

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