Labour Federation Urges Government to Anchor 24-Hour Economy on Agriculture and Manufacturing for Real Impact

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) is calling on the government to place agriculture and manufacturing at the heart of its newly launched 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Programme, emphasizing that without a focus on production, the initiative risks under-delivering on its transformational promise.

Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday, July 5, 2025, GFL Secretary-General Abraham Koomson described the 24-Hour Economy as “bold and timely,” but stressed that sustainable economic recovery and mass job creation depend on prioritising farming and factory work not just extending office hours.

“I believe the 24-Hour Economy initiative can work but for it to truly drive transformation, we must put our energy into Agriculture and Manufacturing. These are the sectors that can revive the economy.” Koomson stated.

While acknowledging improvements in public service efficiency such as extended operational hours at the Passport Office and select government ministries Koomson cautioned that administrative reforms alone are not enough to move the economic needle.

“Yes, offices can operate around the clock, but that alone won’t fix the economy. If we’re serious about transformation, the focus must be on farming and factories on producing, processing, and exporting.” he said.

Grow24 and Manufacture24: A Roadmap for Real Growth

To operationalise the production-first vision, Koomson proposed incorporating two sub-programmes into the national agenda: Grow24 and Manufacture24. These would support round-the-clock agricultural production and manufacturing processes, expanding employment and boosting Ghana’s export earnings.

“If Agriculture and Manufacturing are properly supported, Ghana’s economy can bounce back stronger,” he affirmed.

Koomson argued that a well-structured 24-hour production cycle across key value chains could reduce the country’s dependence on imports, increase productivity, and make Ghana more competitive in international markets.

Labour Movement: Ready to Support, Ready to Remind

Reiterating GFL’s commitment to national development, Koomson said the Federation stands ready to collaborate with government on refining and implementing the policy framework to reflect the realities of the working class and the wider economic landscape.

“We will keep reminding the government of what needs to be done, as a federation, we’re proud that our input was reflected in the NDC’s manifesto. That gives us hope that the right things will be done” He said.

He also called on policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to align implementation strategies with the sectors most capable of generating sustainable jobs, wealth, and long-term prosperity.

Policy Alignment Key to National Prosperity

As Ghana looks to accelerate its economic recovery through innovation and policy ambition, Koomson’s remarks underscore a growing consensus among labour leaders and economists: real transformation lies in making Ghana a hub for value-added production.

“This is not just about extending working hours. It’s about extending opportunity especially where it matters most,” he concluded.

With the 24-Hour Economy gaining traction as a flagship policy, the challenge now lies in ensuring that its roll-out is rooted in productivity, driven by industry, and felt by the people.

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