24-hour economy goes beyond markets – Cape Coast Mayor

The Cape Coast Mayor, George Justice Arthur, has mounted a robust defense of the government’s 24-hour economy policy, pushing back against narrow public perceptions that equate the initiative solely with the construction of round-the-clock markets. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Class FM, the Mayor articulated a broader vision for the policy, insisting that it is a comprehensive economic strategy designed to promote continuous operations across a wide spectrum of vital sectors. His intervention comes at a time when the policy faces intense public scrutiny and debate, necessitating a clear explanation of its scope and intended impact beyond the most visible, and often controversial, aspects of its implementation.

To illustrate the true breadth of the initiative, Arthur pointed to essential services and industries that already operate or are poised to operate around the clock under this new paradigm. He cited hospitals, commercial banks, maritime ports, pharmaceutical companies, and even heritage sites like the Cape Coast Castle as prime examples of facilities that embody the 24-hour operational model. According to the Mayor, the fundamental distinction between past, isolated instances of continuous operations and the current policy is the introduction of a deliberate, unified national framework. Rather than relying on ad-hoc arrangements or the spontaneous efforts of individual businesses, the government is establishing structured guidelines to support, regulate, and sustain round-the-clock economic activity in a coordinated manner.

A central pillar of the Mayor’s argument rests on the legislative legitimacy the policy has already secured. He emphasized that the initiative is no longer confined to political campaigning or executive promises, noting that the comprehensive policy document has been formally submitted to and approved by Parliament. This legislative endorsement, he argued, serves as concrete evidence that the government is committed to moving beyond theoretical discussions. “The 24 hours has moved from just a mere rhetoric to operationalisation,” Arthur stated, underscoring the transition from abstract political messaging to actionable, institutionalized governance. By anchoring the policy in parliamentary approval, the administration seeks to insulate it from claims of being a fleeting political gimmick and position it as a durable component of the national development agenda.

In concluding his remarks, the Mayor issued a strong call for collective, non-partisan support, arguing that the successful implementation of the 24-hour economy must be treated as a unified national effort rather than a battleground for political point-scoring. The ambition to transform Ghana into a continuously active economy holds significant promise for job creation, enhanced service delivery, and increased productivity. However, realizing this potential will require more than just legislative approval; it demands sustained investment in security, reliable power, and transportation infrastructure to make continuous operations viable and safe for workers and businesses alike. The true measure of the 24-hour economy will ultimately be found not in the vigor of its political defense, but in its tangible, everyday impact on the livelihoods of Ghanaians across all sectors of the economy.

THE-DAILY-REPORT feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com