The Government of Ghana’s recently unveiled 24-hour economy proposal, chaired by Goosie Tandoh, continues to face growing scrutiny from economic and industrial development experts, with renewed calls for a more strategic and results-driven approach aligned with Ghana’s long-term development goals.
During a press conference held today, the 24-hour economy team reiterated their plans to boost productivity through expanded agricultural activities, including vegetable farming. However, critics argue that this does not constitute a genuine 24-hour industrial economy but rather a continuation of routine agricultural practice.
“There is no real alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 9, and 10, nor with Vision 2030, Ghana’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS I & II),” said a development strategist who has authored a comprehensive paper on agro-industrial transformation in Ghana. “What was presented does not demonstrate seriousness. Selling vegetables is not industrial activity. It is just normal farming,” he stated.
The expert emphasized that true transformation requires large-scale industrial initiatives such as agro-processing parks for cassava and cashew, which he proposed could create at least 40,000 direct jobs. He further highlighted that assembly plants for vehicles, laptops, solar equipment, and mobile phones—sectors that strongly attract youth—could employ over 500,000 Ghanaians.
The critique also questioned the proposed GH¢4 billion budget, calling it “unrealistic and inadequate.” According to the expert, Ghana requires at least $15 billion to initiate a serious nationwide industrialization agenda. He recommended starting in industrial zones such as Tema, Afienya, and Takoradi, with nationwide rollout of the farming component while phasing in manufacturing operations strategically.
The coconut industry alone, he noted, contributed $2.5 billion to Ghana’s economy, suggesting that targeted investment in high-value crops can yield significant returns.
He also lamented the absence of plans to revive key dormant sectors like the apparel and textile industry, pointing out that the global apparel market is worth over $185 billion, and revamping local companies like ATL could employ 3,500 workers directly and 1.5 million cotton farmers in northern Ghana.
“The team’s focus appears narrow—mostly centered around value chain analysis in agriculture—while neglecting the technological and industrial sectors that can deliver massive employment and economic transformation,” he concluded.
As national discourse around the 24-hour economy intensifies, experts are urging the government to ground its policy in robust economic modeling, high-value industrialization, and alignment with global and national development goals.
source: Dr.Charles Oppong
