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September 9, 2026
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24-Hour Economy was not born with Mahama’s second term, says Nii Moi Thompson
Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth
Key Points
- The 24-hour economy policy was not conceived under President John Mahama's second term but originated from Ghana's 48-year development plan.
- Dr. Nii Moi Thompson of the NDPC stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government adopted the policy from this broader plan.
- The 48-year development plan also influenced other initiatives, including the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Agency for Development Cooperation.
- While progress has been made in lining up investments for the 24-hour economy, Dr. Thompson advises a greater focus on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the next two years.
- He emphasized that SMEs create 80% of new jobs and called for improving the quality of existing jobs alongside creating new ones.
Why This Matters
This article highlights the long-term strategic thinking behind key national economic policies like the 24-hour economy, indicating a continuity in development planning despite changes in government. The emphasis on SMEs and job quality is crucial for Ghana's inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction, as these sectors are vital for employment and local wealth creation.
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