Published on
November 16, 2025
The national aspiration toward establishing a robust 24-hour economy presents a significant opportunity for the tourism and hospitality sector in Ghana. This particular sector is recognized not only as a natural beneficiary but also as a fundamental engine that can drive the entire vision forward. For this potential to be fully realized, however, a conducive environment must be strategically created. This environment necessitates comprehensive action in the spheres of policy, infrastructure, safety, skills development, and targeted marketing. The sustained success of the extended economic system, particularly within the leisure and service industries, is deemed dependent upon specific and intentional interventions being implemented by the government.
Strengthening Foundational Governance and Security Measures
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks Must Be Consolidated
A crucial first step involves the rigorous strengthening of existing policy and regulatory frameworks. It is required that a national night-time economy policy be meticulously developed. This policy must effectively integrate the dynamic areas of tourism, hospitality, culture, and the creative industries directly into the broader 24-hour economy agenda. Furthermore, a thorough review and modernization of current tourism laws and licensing regulations is necessitated. This process must be undertaken to actively encourage the adoption of extended operational hours by businesses while strictly upholding stringent quality and safety standards.
Safety and Security Must Be Paramount
Security is unequivocally considered the essential backbone upon which any successful 24-hour economy must rest. Substantial investment is mandated for enhanced night-time policing, comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems, and improved street lighting across all key tourism and hospitality zones. To specifically address the needs of visitors, specialized Tourism Police Units must be established and trained rigorously. These units are to be tasked with protecting both tourists and sector operators, particularly within high-traffic areas such as beaches, vibrant nightlife districts, and major transport terminals, including trotro stations.
Investing in Infrastructure and Workforce Readiness
Infrastructure and Transport Services Must Be Enhanced
The efficient movement of people and the reliable delivery of services are critical for a functioning extended economy. Accordingly, public transportation services, encompassing buses, trains, and taxis, must have their operational hours significantly extended to function beyond traditional timeframes. This ensures that both tourists and service workers are able to move around with ease during night-time hours. Moreover, considerable improvements in road networks, clear signage, adequate lighting, and robust ICT connectivity are necessary, especially within tourism corridors and entertainment zones.
Skills Development and Workforce Readiness Must Be Prioritized
To match the operational demands of an extended economy, the sector’s human capital must be appropriately prepared. Partnerships are intended to be established between the government and specialized tourism training institutions, such as the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT) and various accredited hospitality schools. The goal is the offering of flexible training programs tailored for workers in essential areas like high-quality customer service, effective night-time operations management, security protocols, and digital management skills. Furthermore, youth employment programs must be actively encouraged, specifically targeting jobs within the hospitality, creative arts, and tourism services that are projected to thrive within a 24-hour economy.
Financial Incentives, Strategic Marketing, and Digital Integration
Incentives and Financing Must Be Provided
Financial mechanisms are required to encourage businesses to take the risk and extend their operational hours. Therefore, tax breaks or targeted subsidies are intended to be offered to tourism and hospitality enterprises that commit to providing round-the-clock services. Access to crucial financing must also be facilitated, specifically through low-interest loans and grants. This funding can be channeled through established mechanisms such as the Ghana Tourism Development Fund, the EXIM Bank, and new private partnerships, supporting essential hospitality upgrades and encouraging innovation.
Destination Marketing and Branding Must Be Amplified
A dedicated effort to promote the destination is essential to attract global attention to the new operating model. A dynamic “Ghana by Day and Night” campaign must be launched to effectively promote the country’s diverse cultural, culinary, and entertainment experiences that are now extended into the evening hours. Collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority, creative industry associations, and city authorities is necessary to successfully brand Ghana internationally as “Africa’s Most Vibrant 24-Hour Destination.” Public-private partnerships are intended to be encouraged for the purpose of hosting night festivals, specialized food fairs, vibrant beach carnivals, and organized night tours across major urban centers and existing tourism destinations.
Innovation and Digital Transformation Must Be Encouraged
Modern tourism is heavily reliant on technological integration. Support is required for the widespread adoption of efficient digital booking systems, secure e-payment platforms, and user-friendly online safety applications, making 24-hour tourism services more accessible and streamlined. Startups must be encouraged to innovate and develop specialized tourism technology solutions for nightlife activities, event bookings, safe ride-sharing, and dedicated 24-hour delivery services. To provide a comprehensive overview for visitors, a national digital tourism database must be constructed, showcasing all available 24-hour attractions, events, and services for both international visitors and domestic patrons.
Institutional Coordination and Sustainable Growth
Institutional Coordination Must Be Strengthened
To avoid fragmented efforts, strong institutional coordination is an absolute necessity. A multi-sectoral 24-Hour Economy Taskforce must be established, involving key ministries including Tourism, Trade, Energy, Transport, and Interior, to ensure cohesive strategy and policy implementation. Close collaboration with local assemblies is crucial to effectively identify and develop safe, vibrant night-time economic districts across the country. Furthermore, active partnerships must be fostered between the private sector, traditional authorities, and local communities to guarantee that participation is inclusive and that the benefits derived are widely shared among all stakeholders.
Sustainability and Community Inclusion Must Be Prioritized
The expansion of the economy into the night must not be detrimental to the environment or local residents. Sustainable tourism practices are intended to be promoted rigorously, focusing specifically on effective waste management strategies, noise control regulations, and comprehensive environmental protection protocols within all 24-hour operational areas. Steps must be taken to ensure that local communities receive direct and tangible benefits from the extended economy through targeted job creation, dedicated platforms for cultural showcases, and direct opportunities for small business development.
Leadership and Vision Must Be Showcased
Finally, the government is required to communicate a clear, inspirational national vision. This vision must effectively link the establishment of the 24-hour economy directly to Ghana’s larger economic transformation goals, national job creation targets, and global competitiveness aspirations. A strong, unwavering political commitment, which is robustly supported by sustained investment and comprehensive stakeholder collaboration, is the ultimate requirement to ensure the tourism and hospitality sector assumes its rightful place as a leading engine of the 24-hour economy.
