Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme has attracted over US$11.50 billion in investment commitments. These commitments, secured in less than one year, signal significant investor interest in the government’s industrialisation and export-led growth plans.
Senior Presidential Advisor, Dr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, announced this figure at the Upper East Regional Development Forum in Bolgatanga. He stated these investments span critical sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and value addition industries. This initiative could create around 1.70 million direct and indirect jobs if these projects become operational.
The announcement represents one of the largest investment claims under the government’s 24-hour economy policy. This policy aims to boost production, increase exports, and create employment opportunities. It also seeks to transform Ghana from an exporter of raw materials into a more competitive manufacturing and value-added economy. This strategy aligns with Ghana’s broader efforts to improve economic recovery and strengthen export earnings.
Dr. Tanoh confirmed that President John Dramani Mahama launched the programme in July 2025. He noted that the Secretariat has already mobilised over US$11.50 billion in prospective investments. Several agreements are already in place to support implementation across key productive sectors. The programme is designed to diversify the economy by supporting continuous production in selected industries and enhancing agro-processing.
Government officials believe the initiative will deepen industrial capacity and improve logistics systems. These improvements are crucial for serving both domestic and export markets effectively. The expected job creation will come from investments in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and value-added industries, sectors vital for long-term economic change.
The strategy focuses on increasing local processing and expanding domestic production. It also aims to help Ghanaian businesses move up regional and global value chains. This move is essential as Ghana strives to build a more resilient production base.
A key aspect of the Bolgatanga forum was the proposed Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods Framework (PEARL) for the Upper East Region. Dr. Tanoh highlighted that this framework supports the national 24-hour economy agenda. It promotes regional industrialisation and export-oriented production, integrating regional development into the national economic plan.
The PEARL Framework acts as a 10-year development blueprint. It seeks to unlock investment across all 15 districts of the Upper East Region. Its focus areas include enterprise development, infrastructure expansion, agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods. The Upper East Region is considered a promising investment frontier due to its fertile land, mineral resources, and growing commercial hubs.
Dr. Tanoh also pointed out the region's strategic location as Ghana’s gateway to the Sahel. He mentioned that emerging mining activities in the region have increased its economic significance. Beyond gold, the Upper East Region has viable deposits of clay, limestone, granite, and manganese. These resources offer opportunities for ceramics, cement production, construction materials, and mineral processing.
Government’s objective extends beyond mere mineral extraction. It aims to build industries around these resources to generate decent jobs. This ensures that mineral wealth translates into sustainable prosperity for local communities. This approach connects the 24-hour economy policy to regional development, industrial parks, and export-oriented manufacturing. Furthermore, President Mahama has directed the mobilisation of resources for the construction of the Bolgatanga Airport, a key project under the PEARL Framework.