The Centre for Policy Scrutiny (CPS) has called on the government to ensure clarity and consistency in the design and execution of the 24-Hour Economy Programme, cautioning that the shift from the initial “1-3-3” concept to the broader 24H+ framework must be matched by strong institutional coordination, credible financing, and measurable targets.
In its latest review titled “The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme: A Critical Review”, CPS noted that while the 24H+ represents a more comprehensive transformation plan than the earlier notion of extending work shifts, its success will depend on how well it is aligned with Ghana’s medium-term development and fiscal frameworks.
Presenting the document, Executive Director of CPS, Dr. Adu Owusu Sarkodie observed that early interpretations of the 24-hour economy popularly described as the “1-3-3” model of running three work shifts to multiply job opportunities have now evolved into a national economic transformation agenda focused on value addition, industrialisation, and export competitiveness. CPS described this transition as a positive correction but warned that the government must maintain policy discipline and avoid conceptual drift.
“The move from the 1-3-3 idea to a broader production and export-led strategy is sound, but it must not lose coherence in execution,” said Dr. Sarkodie, lead author of the CPS report. “The government must align this programme with the national planning framework and ensure that its financing plans are realistic and transparent.”
According to the review, the 24H+ seeks to diversify Ghana’s economy through eight integrated sub-programmes covering agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, housing, finance, and skills development. CPS acknowledged the ambition behind the framework but cautioned that it overlaps with existing initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme and the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda.
The report also raised concerns about financing, describing the estimated cost of **US$4 billion** as understated and warning that Ghana’s low capital investment levels—averaging less than three percent of GDP—could constrain implementation. CPS said the success of the 24H+ will rely heavily on private sector mobilisation and a phased approach to public investment.
“The programme’s infrastructure ambitions are commendable, but they must be grounded in fiscal reality. Transparent costing and sequencing are essential to sustain credibility and attract investors,” the report said.
CPS further urged the government to establish clear performance indicators and timelines to measure progress. The think tank warned that without concrete implementation metrics and accountability structures, the 24-hour economy could risk becoming “another ambitious vision without delivery.”
Despite its concerns, CPS commended the programme’s focus on agro-industrialisation and regional development, particularly the plan to transform the Volta Basin into an agro-industrial and logistics corridor. It said these interventions, if well executed, could enhance productivity, create jobs, and promote balanced growth across the country.
“The 24-hour economy still offers Ghana a credible pathway to transformation,” Dr. Sarkodie added. “But the government must ensure that the policy’s evolution from the 1-3-3 model to a national programme is backed by sound financing, clear targets, and disciplined implementation.”
CPS concluded that the 24H+ has potential to reset Ghana’s growth model but urged government to learn from past experiences by focusing on coordination, cost efficiency, and results-oriented delivery.
