PRESS STATEMENT
Government Must Leverage the 24-Hour Economy to Create Sustainable Jobs for the Youth – William Boadi, EAI
Ghana stands at a critical crossroads in its development journey, particularly in addressing the persistent challenge of youth unemployment. For years, many young people have turned their hopes toward recruitment into the security services police, military, fire service, immigration, and prisons. While these institutions play vital roles in national development, their recruitment capacity remains limited and cannot sustainably absorb the growing number of unemployed graduates and school leavers.
It is therefore imperative for the government to shift focus from over-reliance on public sector employment to more innovative, large-scale, and sustainable job creation strategies. One such transformative opportunity lies in the effective implementation of the 24-hour economy policy.
The concept of a 24-hour economy is not merely about extending working hours; it is about restructuring the economy to operate in shifts across various sectors manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, transportation, retail, and services—thereby maximizing productivity and creating continuous employment opportunities.
If properly executed, the 24-hour economy policy can become a powerful engine for job creation in the following ways:
1. Expansion of Industrial and Manufacturing Jobs
By encouraging factories and production companies to operate in shifts, more workers will be needed to sustain round-the-clock operations. This will open up thousands of jobs for the youth, particularly those with technical and vocational skills. The government must incentivize industries through tax reliefs, a stable electricity supply, and infrastructure support to adopt this model.
2. Growth in the Service Sector
A 24-hour economy will significantly boost sectors such as hospitality, transportation, healthcare, and retail. Night-time economies in cities can create employment for young people in areas such as logistics, customer service, security, and digital services.
3. Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Startups
Young entrepreneurs can take advantage of extended business hours to innovate and meet emerging market demands. Digital platforms, food delivery services, and creative industries can thrive in a system that supports continuous economic activity.
4. Strengthening TVET and Skills Development
To fully benefit from a 24-hour economy, Ghana must align its education and training systems with industry needs. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions should be strengthened to equip young people with practical, job-ready skills that meet the demands of a dynamic, shift-based economy.
5. Reducing Pressure on Government Recruitment
With expanded opportunities in the private sector, the excessive pressure on limited government job openings especially in the security services will significantly reduce. This will also help curb the frustration and disappointment experienced by many qualified youth who are unable to secure such positions.
However, for the 24-hour economy policy to succeed, certain critical conditions must be met. These include reliable electricity supply, improved security systems, efficient transportation networks, and strong regulatory frameworks to protect workers’ rights, especially those working night shifts.
Indeed, Ghana cannot solve its unemployment crisis by relying solely on periodic recruitment into the security services. The future lies in bold, forward-thinking policies that unlock the full potential of the economy. The 24-hour economy policy presents a unique and practical pathway to creating sustainable jobs, empowering the youth, and driving national development.
The time has come for government, industry leaders, and stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action. Ghana’s youth are ready to work what they need is opportunity.
Signed
William Boadi
Executive Director, Educate Africa Institute (EAI), Educationist, Political analyst, and Social Worker.
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