Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Authority aims to create 1.7 million jobs by 2028. This comes from new industrial, energy, and agribusiness projects. These projects will boost Ghana’s ability to produce goods and services.
This initiative will also strengthen Ghana’s position within Africa’s single market. This market is part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The plan is to change Ghana’s economy from relying on raw material exports. Instead, it will focus on manufacturing and value addition.
Ghana’s economy has largely depended on exporting raw materials and importing finished goods. This structure has limited economic growth for decades. Previous economic reform programs have not fundamentally changed this pattern. This has led to recurring dependence on external support, such as from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Gabriel Opoku-Asare, Chief Export Development Officer of the Ghana 24-Hour Economy Authority, discussed these goals. He spoke at a Citi Business Festival 2026 roundtable event. He stated Ghana's economic model has constrained its transformation. He pointed out that Ghana has had 17 economic transformation programmes since 1966. Yet, the country still returns to the IMF every few years. This shows that the basic problems in the economy have not been fixed.
The government’s new economic plan has two main parts. The first part is to make the economy stable again. The second part is to make industries grow faster. Mr. Opoku-Asare noted recent improvements in key economic numbers. He cited inflation at around 3.7%, reduced over 15 months. He also noted a debt stock around 48% of GDP and GDP growth around 6%. The Ghana cedi is hovering between GHS 10 and GHS 12 to the US dollar. He believes these are signs of progress.
The 24-Hour Economy programme is the government's method. It will increase production, drive industrialisation, and create stable jobs. The Authority also plans to double manufacturing’s share of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Manufacturing’s contribution will rise from 10% to 20% within two years. Mr. Opoku-Asare confirmed four bankable projects have been signed in the last 90 days. This indicates practical steps are already underway.
The larger goal is to make Ghana a strong production center. This center will serve markets across Africa under AfCFTA. Policymakers and business leaders see AfCFTA as a key tool for growth. It can expand industries, increase exports, and create jobs. Local businesses are encouraged to become large and competitive. This will allow them to serve Africa’s 1.4 billion consumers.