“24-Hour economy has come to stay – Wonder Victor Kutor

By: Godbless Asaana ‎

Wonder Victor Kutor, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has defended the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, saying the focus is on building the infrastructure needed to make the policy work.
‎
‎Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, August 17, Kutor said the policy was not about forcing Ghanaians to work around the clock but creating the conditions that would enable businesses and workers to operate at night.
‎
‎“The key thing I’ll tell you is that 24-hour work that we are projecting is not forcing Ghanaians to work 24 hours. It is up to us to give Ghanaians the infrastructure that will allow them to work 24 hours.”
‎
‎He explained that adequate lighting, security, and other facilities must be provided before a successful 24-hour economy can be achieved.
‎
‎“If you are working at night, and you say the sanitation people should work at night, and you don’t give the infrastructure where there is light, visibility, where there is security to protect them, will you be able to run a 24-hour economy?”
‎
‎According to him, the government is therefore prioritising infrastructure, particularly in areas expected to operate under the 24-hour economy.
‎
‎“One, to make sure that the 24-hour economy area has a solid market. One, if you are talking about the market, there will be a security post where police or security services will be there.”
‎
‎“There will be a lighting system all across the market, which we can rely on in all our markets. So the infrastructure should be there. And we are bringing the infrastructure.”
‎
‎Kutor also argued that demand for 24-hour services already exists, citing developments at the country’s ports as evidence.
‎
‎He pointed to the Golden Jubilee Terminal, which he said previously operated only during the day but is now providing round-the-clock services.
‎
‎“Golden Jubilee Terminal has never worked around the clock. When you want to clear your goods, you start from 8 am to 6, 7, 8 pm, and that’s it. They’re closed.”
‎
‎“But now they are working. They are working 24 hours. Do you understand that? At 2 am, you can drop your container, open your container, and clear your goods.”
‎
‎He said the extended operating hours would help reduce costs for businesses, particularly by cutting expenses associated with delays in clearing goods.
‎
‎“And that will save a lot of money because you are no longer paying the mortgage. In a paid mortgage, you can pay almost 4,000, 3,000. In that case, it has saved a lot for Ghanaians who are businesspeople.”
‎
‎Kutor maintained that the 24-hour economy is a key government policy that will remain in place, stressing that the necessary infrastructure is being developed to support it.
‎
‎“So when you are going, all I’m saying is that the 24-hour economy has come to stay. It is up to you to believe it or not. It’s up to you to listen and listen more.”
‎
‎“But whatever will be, we are building a solid infrastructure. Make sure that the 24-hour economy works and works.”
‎
‎The 24-hour economy is a government policy aimed at promoting round-the-clock productivity, manufacturing and service delivery through a multi-shift work system.

It is designed to provide a framework, including financial incentives, security and digital public services, to support businesses operating beyond conventional working hours.