24-hour economy targets 1.7 million jobs by 2028

The government’s 24-hour economy programme aims to create 1.7 million jobs by the end of 2028 through private-sector-led investments.

The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development (24H+) Secretariat said the jobs would come from direct, indirect and induced employment generated by projects being implemented under the programme.

It said the initiative is focused on expanding production, increasing exports and reducing unemployment through investments across key sectors.

In a press release issued on July 16, the Secretariat said joint development agreements worth about US$5.5 billion had been signed as of May 2026 within a broader project pipeline valued at US$11.5 billion.

It explained that the programme is financed mainly by private investors, while public funds are reserved for project preparation, viability gap funding and coordinating the Secretariat’s activities.

“The programme’s target is 1.7 million decent jobs by the end of 2028. Included in this figure are direct, indirect and induced jobs,” the Secretariat said.

According to the statement, four agreements signed within the past 90 days alone are expected to generate more than 160,000 direct jobs.

These include the US$1.45 billion Buipe solar and battery project, which is projected to create 13,000 jobs, and the US$250 million Kambonwule oil palm complex, expected to support 120,000 jobs while producing 228,000 tonnes of crude palm oil annually.

“The right measure is the investment the Programme mobilises and the production, exports and jobs it generates,” the Secretariat stated, adding that the broader objective is to reduce Ghana’s unemployment rate to below five per cent by 2034.

The Secretariat also highlighted progress in implementing round-the-clock operations, saying 12 oil marketing companies are providing 24-hour services through 268 filling stations, while 33 manufacturers have begun multi-shift operations.

It added that government is finalising a private-sector incentive package with the Ministry of Finance to support participating businesses and encourage further investment under the programme.