AGI commends passage of 24-Hour Economy Bill

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has commended the Government for the passage of the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025, describing it as a “bold step” toward unlocking Ghana’s economic potential.

In a statement signed by AGI President Kofi Nsiah Poku on February 9, 2026, the industry body highlighted the law’s potential to drive round-the-clock productivity, stimulate investment and position Ghana as an export-led economy.

“This initiative represents a bold step toward unlocking Ghana’s economic potential through round-the-clock productivity, supported by a framework that stimulates investment, strengthens supply chains, and positions Ghana as an export-led economy,” Nsiah Poku said.

Parliament passes 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill

AGI noted that Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators are trending positively but emphasised the need for export diversification to sustain these gains.

“To sustain and deepen these gains, achieved through the efforts of the President, the Minister for Finance, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, there is a critical need to diversify our export base. The passage of this Bill is timely, as export diversification remains essential to the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s economic recovery,” he added.

The AGI President outlined the potential benefits of the new law, including job creation, increased productivity, boosted exports, and reduced reliance on imported goods.

AGI also welcomed the legal framework established under the Bill to coordinate policy implementation and facilitate incentives for continuous industrial operations.

“We expect strong regulatory oversight, effective public-private coordination, mobilization of investment, and the provision of infrastructure to support 24-hour operations,” Nsiah Poku stated.

The statement further praised the proposed incentives, which include tax rebates for multi-shift operations, subsidized night-time electricity tariffs, and fast-track import duty waivers for production equipment.

“These measures will enable SMEs in manufacturing, agro-processing, and export sectors to expand operations, create jobs, and increase local production,” he said.

While acknowledging that the incentives could reduce government revenue in the short term, AGI argued that supporting local industry would drive structural transformation, broaden the future tax base, and enhance long-term growth and fiscal stability.

The statement emphasised the need for efficient and transparent access to fiscal and monetary incentives, particularly in light of challenges experienced with the Tax Exemptions Act, 2022 (Act 1083).

AGI also urged that beneficiaries of existing initiatives, such as One District, One Factory (1D1F), be integrated into the 24-hour economy framework.

“Many of these facilities are currently operating below capacity. Targeted support will revive production, strengthen industrial output, and create additional jobs,” Nsiah Poku said.

AK/AM