Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on both domestic and international investors to support Ghana’s energy sector, highlighting its critical role in realising the government’s proposed 24-hour economy.
Speaking at a high-level forum with Dream Power Africa, a leading solar energy company, at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene emphasised the need for consistent and accessible electricity to drive national development.
“Currently, the government has been talking about a 24-hour economy. If that is successful, then energy must also be available in rural areas, and industries will need it to function efficiently. So, from a wider perspective, it will all help in the development of this country,” he stated.
He stressed that without a reliable energy infrastructure, the 24-hour economy cannot be fully implemented, especially in remote communities where power access remains limited.
The 24-hour economy is a flagship policy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), introduced in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections. It aims to stimulate continuous economic activity across sectors such as healthcare, ICT, manufacturing, and agriculture by promoting round-the-clock operations in both public and private institutions.
President John Dramani Mahama, who championed the policy, described it as a cornerstone of his broader industrialisation agenda and a strategic tool to address youth unemployment.
To support its implementation, Mahama appointed Augustus “Goosie” Tanoh as Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, with a mandate to lead the initiative’s rollout.
However, Ghana’s energy sector continues to face serious challenges, including frequent power outages and load-shedding, which undermine business productivity and economic progress.
Energy experts have long argued that investment in the sector generates significant economic returns, with each dollar spent creating a multiplier effect across the economy.
NAD/VPO