There Is No Country In The World With A Fully Operational 24-Hour Economy By Micheal Mensah

The Executive Director of the Centre for Public Opinion Analysis (CenPOA), Michael Donyina Mensah, has stated that no country in the world operates a fully functional 24-hour economy.Starr FM graphic (24 October 2026); statements by Michael Donyina Mensah reported across Ghanaian media.

Speaking in comments aired on Starr FM on Saturday, 24 October 2026, Mensah said: “There is no country in the world with a fully operational 24-hour economy.”

His remarks form part of ongoing public debate over the government’s 24-hour economy policy, a flagship initiative of the National Democratic Congress administration aimed at boosting productivity, industrialisation and job creation by encouraging businesses to operate beyond standard working hours.

Critics, including some economists and opposition figures, have questioned the practicality and originality of the policy. They argue that extended operating hours occur naturally in industrialised economies when demand and infrastructure support them, rather than as a standalone government programme.

Government officials have defended the initiative, saying foundations have been laid through pilot programmes in sectors such as petroleum downstream and manufacturing. They insist the policy is a long-term strategy that goes beyond simply running three shifts and is intended to transform Ghana’s productive capacity.

Mensah’s comment adds to a series of sceptical voices that maintain the concept is being oversold. Supporters of the policy counter that Ghana needs deliberate measures to utilise existing infrastructure more efficiently and create employment opportunities for the youth.

The debate continues as the government works to demonstrate tangible results from the programme.

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