Alexander Afenyo-Markin is the Minority Leader in Parliament

The Minority in Parliament has rejected claims made by Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, that the previous Akufo-Addo led administration diverted a whopping $750 million Afreximbank loan meant for specific road projects.

Responding to the allegation in a press statement dated July 28, 2025, the Minority Caucus described the finance minister’s assertion as false, misleading, and politically motivated.

This comes after the finance minister claimed that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government obtained the Afreximbank facility ostensibly for projects like the Ofankor–Nsawam Road and the Suame Interchange, but allegedly used the funds for unrelated expenditures during his presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review.

The Minority, however, has strongly rejected this claim.

According to them, the $750 million Afreximbank loan was a multi-purpose infrastructure facility that was transparently approved by Parliament to support several priority road projects nationwide.

“The $750 million Afreximbank loan was not limited to just two projects,” the statement clarified.

“It was designed to support a broader scope of infrastructure works, including the Flowerpot Interchange, the School Junction to Motorway dualisation at Borteyman, and several key bypasses along the Accra-Kumasi corridor such as Osino, Anyinam, Enyiresi, and Konongo,” the statement added.

The Minority further explained that the facility was disbursed in phases, each tied to specific project milestones and monitored through transparent oversight mechanisms.

They accused the current administration of attempting to distort facts for political advantage.

“The loan was structured to be disbursed in phases, each linked to specific project milestones,” the statement clarified.

“It was designed to complement domestic funding sources and ensure continuous progress on key infrastructure,” it added.

They accused the Mahama-led administration of attempting to distort facts for political advantage.

“It is disingenuous for the government to twist a nationally approved infrastructure arrangement just to shift blame or win political sympathy. Let us be truthful to Ghanaians and speak to the facts,” the statement said.

The Minority called on the public to scrutinise such claims carefully and urged the finance minister to desist from politicising national development initiatives.

AS/VPO

By Christopher Tetteh 
 
Sunyani, (Bono), July 29, GNA-The Hepatitis Alliance of Ghana (HAG) has advocated the inclusion of Hepatitis Care into the Ghana Medical Trust Fund widely known as “Mahama Cares.” 
 
The government has launched the Trust Fund to provide financial support for people suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, and heart conditions. 
 
An initiative, introduced by President John Dramani Mahama, the Fund is expected to ease the financial burden of treatment and improve access to healthcare for affected individuals. 
 
However, a statement issued and signed by Professor Charles Ampong Adjei, the Executive Director of the HAG noted that the viral Hepatitis ‘B’ and Hepatitis ‘C’ continued remained a national public health concern. 
 
It was issued and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani in commemoration of the 2025 World Hepatitis Day on the theme “Let’s Break It Down”.  

The World Hepatitis Day takes place annually on 28 July to raise awareness about viral hepatitis. 
 
The statement emphasiszed the critical need to “disassemble or destroy the barriers preventing many people from accessing the needed care”, adding that, empirical data indicated that approximately 8.5 per cent and three percent of Ghanaians were living with hepatitis ‘B’ and hepatitis ‘C’ respectively. 
 
It regretted, however, that regional disparities existed, with Northern part of the country having the highest burden. 
 
The statement indicated that the Savanna Region recorded the highest prevalence of hepatitis ‘B’ at an alarming rate of 22.7 per cent, with the Upper East Region having the highest burden of hepatitis ‘C’ with the prevalence rate of 14.4 per cent. 
 
It said, “The majority of liver cancer cases in Ghana are attributable to chronic hepatitis ‘B’ and hepatitis ‘C’ and the average survivor rate following liver cancer diagnosis is only three months.” 
 
The statement noted that despite the considerable progress made in the country so far, in addressing the burden of hepatitis ‘B’ and hepatitis ‘C’, intensified efforts and sustained financial commitments remained crucial to attaining the 2030 United Nations hepatitis elimination goals. 
 
It said: “We therefore appeal to President Mahama to prioritize the inclusion of hepatitis within the scope of conditions eligible for support under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund”. 
GNA 
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Benjamin Mensah 

Sending money between African countries like Ghana and Nigeria has long been a slow, expensive, and frustrating process, especially through traditional banking systems.

Long transaction times, high fees, FX rate inconsistencies, and regulatory bottlenecks are just a few of the hurdles people face when trying to transfer funds across borders.

But that’s changing. Thanks to digital innovation, platforms like Mybitstore and Binance now offer faster, more affordable alternatives to traditional remittance systems.

Whether you’re supporting family, paying a vendor, or doing cross-border business, understanding how to send money from Ghana to Nigeria efficiently is more important than ever.

In this article, we explore why bank-based transfers are still problematic, how crypto makes a difference, and the easiest way to move funds between the two countries using modern tools.

Why It’s Still Hard to Send Money Between Ghana and Nigeria

Despite technological advancements, cross-border money transfers in West Africa remain a challenge. According to World Bank data, remittance fees in sub-Saharan Africa are among the highest globally, averaging around 8%. Moreover:

Banking penetration remains low in some regions, making it harder for recipients to access funds. Transaction limits and bureaucratic red tape can delay transfers. Volatile FX rates between the Ghanaian cedi and the Nigerian naira often result in significant losses. Regulatory differences between countries affect the consistency and reliability of cross-border banking. For the average person or small business, these challenges make everyday financial transactions unnecessarily complex.

Crypto to the Rescue — How Digital Assets Help

Cryptocurrency, especially stablecoins like USDT, has opened new pathways for sending money internationally without relying on banks. Here’s how:

Faster transfers: With blockchain, money can move in minutes, not days.

Bypassing banks: No need for account approvals, clearing times, or middlemen.

Mobile-friendly: All you need is a smartphone to access a crypto wallet.

Price predictability: Stablecoins maintain value and reduce the risk of currency depreciation.

Using crypto wallets, a sender in Ghana can transfer USDT, BTC, or another token directly to a recipient in Nigeria, who can then convert it to local currency using peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms. This makes it easier to transact even in areas with limited banking infrastructure.

Step-by-Step: How to Send Money from Ghana to Nigeria Using Mybitstore

If you’re wondering how to send money from Ghana to Nigeria using a secure crypto platform, here’s a simple guide with Mybitstore:

Create a free Mybitstore account on the website or mobile app.

Verify your account using a valid Government Issued ID to enable transactions.

Buy Bitcoin or USDT directly into your wallet.

Send the crypto to the recipient’s wallet address in Nigeria through Mybitstore’s withdrawal process

The recipient can sell the crypto on a local P2P platform to receive naira directly to their bank or mobile wallet.

Buy crypto with mobile money and send funds easily across Africa in just a few minutes.

Costs, Time, and Safety

Compared to traditional banks or money transfer operators, crypto platforms offer: Lower transaction fees (often under 1%), faster settlement times (usually within 10–30 minutes), no banking hours or delays. Transparent exchange rates, especially with stablecoins.

As long as users choose trusted platforms and double-check wallet addresses, these transfers are not only safe but more efficient than legacy systems.

Tips for First-Time Cross-Border Senders

If you’re new to crypto or P2P transfers, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Use verified platforms with strong user reviews. Always confirm the recipient’s wallet address before sending. Start with a small test amount to confirm everything works, choose platforms with mobile support, local payment methods, and active customer service.

The world of cross-border payments is changing fast. What used to be a frustrating experience with banks is now being redefined by digital platforms and crypto rails. Whether you’re looking to send money from Ghana to Nigeria or the other way around, tools like Mybitstore make it faster, safer, and more affordable.

Crypto is not just about speculation, it’s becoming a practical solution for real financial needs in Africa. And as adoption grows, it’s only going to get easier to move money across borders without the limitations of traditional banking.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

President John Mahama says his government will prioritise the purchase of locally made products

President John Dramani Mahama has emphasised that his government will prioritise Made-in-Ghana goods in all state purchases.

This policy, according to him, is part of efforts to support local businesses, especially those in farming and food processing and to strengthen the national economy.

Speaking at the launch of the National Agribusiness Dialogue in Accra, President Mahama explained that the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat is compiling a comprehensive list of locally made products to guide all government procurement decisions.

He emphasised that, as the largest spender in the economy, the government will always give preference to Ghana-made goods.

“Because the government is the biggest spender in the economy, those products will be given priority in any procurement by government agencies,” President Mahama stated.

He added that government agencies would only be permitted to procure foreign products when no local alternative is available.

President Mahama said the initiative aims to create a stable market for local farmers and food producers, while also building stronger domestic industries.

The policy is a core part of the Feed the Industry programme, which seeks to make agriculture and agro-processing key engines of economic growth.

It also aligns with President Mahama’s broader 24-Hour Economy agenda, which focuses on boosting jobs and exports through innovation and targeted investment.

DR/MA

Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its global growth outlook upward, citing improved fiscal conditions and a weaker U.S. dollar that is helping to support global demand.

In its July 2025 update of the World Economic Outlook, the Fund now projects global GDP growth at 3.0% for 2025 and 3.1% for 2026 up from earlier estimates of 2.8% and 3.0% published respectively in April.

The revised outlook reflects accelerated economic activity ahead of anticipated tariff hikes, lower effective trade barriers and expansionary fiscal policies in some major economies.

While inflation is forecast to decline globally, the IMF warns that U.S. inflation may remain above target which poses a risk to interest rate stability.

Despite the improved forecast, the IMF cautions that risks remain tilted to the downside, with potential headwinds from rising trade tensions, policy uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical shocks.

“Global headline inflation is expected to fall to 4.2 percent in 2025 and 3.6 percent in 2026, a path similar to the one projected in April. The overall picture hides notable cross-country differences, with forecasts predicting inflation will remain above target in the United States and be more subdued in other large economies”, the report said.

The Fund stressed the need for policymakers to focus on restoring macroeconomic confidence, ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability, and promoting a predictable investment climate to secure durable global growth.

“On the upside, global growth could be lifted if trade negotiations lead to a predictable framework and to a decline in tariffs. Policies need to bring confidence, predictability, and sustainability by calming tensions, preserving price and financial stability, restoring fiscal buffers, and implementing much-needed structural reforms”.

John Wumborti, Commissioner of AIB Ghana

The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional aviation safety at the 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), which concluded at Fraser Suites in Abuja, Nigeria.

Presenting a comprehensive update on Ghana’s aviation safety roadmap, Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John Wumborti, highlighted recent reforms, international collaborations, and upcoming strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening air accident investigation and prevention mechanisms.

“This meeting presents a critical platform to assess our collective progress, refine ongoing initiatives, and deepen strategic collaboration in our shared pursuit of enhancing aviation safety across the region,” said Wumborti during his address.

Since assuming office in April 2025, Commissioner Wumborti has led a series of internal reforms to align with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), in preparation for Ghana’s next ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in 2026/27.

“We have commenced a comprehensive self-assessment to meet the requirements of the Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) and have reviewed and submitted proposed amendments to ICAO Annexes 13 and 19 to ensure full compliance,” he stated.

To support operational efficiency, AIB Ghana set up a Documentation Review and Implementation Committee, which has developed key manuals, including:

• The Aircraft Accident Assistance for Victims and their Families Procedures Manual

• The Aircraft Accident Assistance Policy

• The Cabin Safety Investigation Manual

• The State Safety Policy Statement

“These documents form the backbone of our internal reforms, promoting a culture of accountability, victim support, and consistent investigative procedures,” Wumborti noted.

As part of its preventive mandate, AIB Ghana also conducted working visits to airports across the country to assess safety adherence and strengthen collaboration with airport authorities.

The Bureau has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several national and regional bodies including the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Police Service, and accident investigation agencies in Benin and Togo.

“These partnerships are vital in building a strong foundation for coordinated responses and regional data sharing, which are essential in modern safety oversight,” the Commissioner said.

In the area of capacity development, AIB Ghana staff have participated in regional training sessions on aviation safety occurrence reporting, flight data analysis, and digital tools like Smart Workplace.

Looking ahead, Wumborti outlined four key initiatives:

• Legislative Review – Plans are underway to amend the 2020 Act 1028 and 2024 L.I 2483 to integrate ICAO requirements more thoroughly into Ghana’s aviation laws.

• Simulation Exercises and Emergency Response Plan – To test readiness and coordination among stakeholders in the event of an aviation incident.

• State Safety Programme (SSP) – A dedicated SSP unit will be established to collaborate with GCAA and embed data-driven safety oversight.

• Youth Engagement – AIB Ghana will participate in the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Summit in South Africa in August to help develop young investigators.

“We are fully committed to the NGAP initiative. It is imperative that we nurture the next generation of investigators who will carry forward the mantle of aviation safety,” Wumborti emphasised.

Concluding his remarks, he stressed the importance of sustained regional cooperation:

“It is only through collaboration, sharing knowledge, tools, and best practices, that we can strengthen the resilience of our aviation sector and consistently uphold the highest standards of safety.”

The BAGAIA meeting brought together representatives from six West African countries and international partners to assess progress, share expertise, and chart a forward-looking strategy for aviation safety in the region.

Kumawood actor LilWin (R) has been slammed on social media for making a comment about Lumba (L)

Ghanaian Kumawood actor, LilWin, has come under heavy backlash on social media following an utterance made about the demise of one of Ghana’s Highlife legends, Daddy Lumba.

In a video making waves on social media on July 29, 2025, LilWin expressed dissatisfaction with the Creative Arts Agency (CAA) for planning to stage a vigil night for the late musician, the same day he is premiering his movie.

According to LilWin, the Creative Arts Agency should have been considerate by fixing a date that would not conflict with his movie premiere.

“I am pained that everyone has heard about my movie, and the Creative Arts Agency decided to fix Daddy Lumba’s vigil night on the same day I am premiering my movie.

“They have already fixed the date, so there is nothing I can do. All I can do is go ahead and do it. I would also premiere my movie,” he said.

Reacting to LilWin’s statement, netizens have taken to social media to lambast the Kumawood actor, describing his statement as insensitive and unnecessary.

An account on X with username @Inkredible_B noted, “What’s the political and social impact of this nonsense movie he’s produced? Kwasia, he’s enjoying democracy, yet he went ahead to produce a movie about a military dictator.”

Another netizen also recounted the controversies surrounding LilWin, adding that he is fond of having feuds with fellow industry players.

“From beefing Kwaku Manu, Agya Koo, Likee kyekyeku to a legend who’s no more… Small time, Kojo go tear chain.”

A socialite also noted, “This guy is so foolish. Does he think Ghana revolves around him?”

Watch the video below:

🚨ICYMI🇬🇭🎥🗣️: Ghanaian actor Lilwin says he’s disappointed in government via the CAA, for fixing Daddy Lumba’s candlelight vigil on the same day as his Ibrahim Traoré movie premiere.

He shared his frustration in an interview with @akoma879fm.

🦅🇬🇭 https://t.co/y2Ej31L0bw pic.twitter.com/mt9rxJemE2

— Ölele | Building OSN (@OleleSalvador) July 28, 2025

JHM/SEA

Meanwhile, watch as Prophet Worlasi shares bombshell prophesies on Bawumia and NPP on The Lowdown:

It is refreshing to note that Ghana’s economy has witnessed some level of improvement in the first half of the year, based on the macroeconomic indicators outlined by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. Similar data, shown by multilaterals such as the International Monetary Fund and other institutions such as Barclays PLC, Standard Bank and Goldman Sachs, have demonstrated that the performance of the economy is on track

The Institute of Public Policy and Accountability (IPPA) applauds the current government for showing commitment to further revitalise the economy. But the previous regime deserves to be commended too for helping to stabilise the economy after two consecutive years of struggle. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the economy grew strongly in the first quarter of 2025 to 5.3% in quarter one 2025, as against 4.9% during the same period in 2024; inflation also tumbled to 13.7% in June 2025, from 23.8% in December 2024; whilst the Ghana Cedi witnessed its best run in several decades as one of the top currencies in the world so far this year with a year-to-date gain of about 30%. Interest rates have also declined by a substantial 1300 basis points to 14.7% in June 2025. All these show signs of economic recovery, which have culminated in the upgrade of Ghana’s credit rating by Fitch. Moody’s and S&P are expected to follow in that order.

Nonetheless, the monetary economy has more time to become resilient. The policy rate is still high, though the Bank of Ghana is expected to cut the rate by about 200 basis points in its next meeting this week. Non-Performing Loans are still high at an average of 21% and the cost of credit is still expensive. These add to the cost of operating a business in the country despite an improvement in some macroeconomic indices. IPPA is thus urging the finance minister to work closely with the Bank of Ghana Governor to achieve a robust banking sector that is cost-effective and boost investor confidence.

We also agree with the finance minister’s assertion that there is still a long road ahead of us. We are saying so because the debt levels are high (GH¢613 billion as at end-June 2025) despite falling significantly, whilst the debt restructuring has not been fully completed. IPPA wants to see a smooth completion of the programme with the bilateral creditors and also the Eurobond holders. This is essential because of future debt transactions. We shouldn’t forget that the World Bank still classifies Ghana as a country with a high debt distress level. Similarly, we have huge bullet payments of both domestic and external debts to be paid in 2026, 2027 and 2028 respectively (Domestic debt: GH¢20billion in 2026, GH¢50.3billion in 2027 and GH¢45.75billion in 2028) (Foreign domestic: US$1.42 billion in 2026, US$1.17 billion in 2027, and US$1.14 billion in 2028).

Building Investor Confidence

The significant strides toward rebuilding international reserves and taking steps to bring inflation down are commendable, and the previous authorities must also be applauded. This has increased investor confidence. We have seen immense growth in the Ghana Stock Exchange so far in 2025. 19 out of 36 stocks have recorded gains, as against one loss. The GSE-CI has also recorded a gain of 31.67%. The bond market has also rebounded with some impressive trading activities. This is great for investors. We at IPPA believe the improved economic fundamentals must be sustained to stimulate the capital market, local and foreign investments. We also want the government to implement a cap on borrowing from both the domestic and international markets. We are worried that the government is still borrowing heavily on the domestic market despite promising to reduce its appetite for that market.

Fiscal Performance

The fiscal performance has been on track. Debt obligations are being honoured, but our concern is the heavy borrowing on the domestic market. Although yields have decreased by more than 13 percentage points, there are still some downside risks. The debt market is gradually picking up, but turnover is not up to the levels of pre-debt exchange. We are therefore advising the government not to rush and open the bond market but to fully conclude the debt restructuring programme.

Revenue performance has also not been the best in the first half of 2025, despite the overall fiscal balance on a cash basis improving from a deficit of 4.1% of GDP to 3.8% of GDP. This underperformance was attributed to systemic revenue leakages at key customs collection points, notably the Tema Port, and the smuggling of goods across our land borders. Though we welcome the deployment of Artificial Intelligence at the ports to tackle smuggling and fraud, we should remember that humans will operate the system. Punitive and severe actions must be taken against perpetrators of this act. We must also digitize all payment systems to reduce cash payments to curb corruption. On expenditure, the issue of wages and salaries exceeded the budget by GH¢1.3 billion for the first six months of 2025 is a major issue. Addressing ghost names immediately will go a long way toward reducing the pressure on government spending and creating space for investments in some capital projects.

Social Programmes

On the construction of new roads and rehabilitation of existing ones and priority projects, this is ambitious based on the current financial situation of the country. However, we welcome the decision to undertake these projects. IPPA will thus urge the finance minister to prioritise the projects. We believe the government should, as a matter of urgency, complete the road construction started by the erstwhile administration before starting new projects.

Macroeconomic Targets

We believe that macroeconomic targets (Overall Real GDP growth of at least 4.0%; Non-Oil Real GDP growth of at least 4.8%; End-year inflation rate of 11.9%; Primary balance on commitment basis at a surplus of 1.5% of GDP and a Gross International Reserves covering not less than three months of imports are achievable based on the current trajectory and if there are no severe exogenous shocks. Let’s remember that Ghana has not been able to stand the test of time, when there are external shocks; examples are the impact of the subprime mortgage crisis in the USA in 2007 and the recent Covid-19 crisis and the ongoing Russian/Ukraine war. These shocks caused elevated inflation, increased interest rates currency depreciation and impacted emerging economist severely.

Conclusion

As we previously mentioned, the Mid-Year Budget appears promising, but it does not outline adequate strategies to address external shocks. It is welcoming to establish two separate sinking fund accounts to help Ghana repay both domestic and external debts falling due between 2026 and 2028, without putting fresh pressure on the national budget. However, have we considered any turmoil more severe than COVID-19 or the Russian/Ukraine war? Going forward, the country must diversify its export earnings and not rely only on gold, cocoa and crude oil. It must be a conscious effort to increase export commodities of the country to include shea nut, oil palm, other extractives, etc. This will not only boost exports but also widen the trade surplus of the country. Adequate international reserves will be built to limit or slow down exchange rate depreciation in times of global headwinds.

The Bank of Ghana should also enhance its gold purchasing programme. This programme has helped increase the central banks’ gold reserves to withstand shocks in times of turbulence. The recent aggressive cedi appreciation was largely due to BoG’s aggressive intervention in the FX market because it has adequate FX. However, part of the cedi’s strength was due to the weak dollar in the first half of the year due to some aggressive policies such as the trade war or tariff imposition by US President Donald Trump. The dollar index, which measures the currency’s strength against a basket of six others, including the pound, euro and yen, fell 10.8 percent in the first half of 2025. We believe the central bank should allow market forces to dictate the pricing of the USD/ Cedi.

Secondly, we must reduce our appetite for borrowing, both domestically and internationally. The government must go full digitalization in the collection of both direct and indirect taxes. The same should be done for property tax to reduce irregularities and corruption. We should borrow for investment projects that will generate jobs. IPPA therefore welcomes the government initiative to establish the University of Environment and Sustainable Development at Bunso and nine State-of-the-Art Technical and Vocational Education Training Centres.

Finally, and not least, we as a country should deliberately create indigenous giant entrepreneurs to compete on the African continent and even globally. This will stimulate employment creation. Let’s take a cue from Nigeria, which has created many billionaires. These billionaires have established institutions in banking (UBA, Zenith, GT Bank), telecom (Glo), and cement (Dangote). These institutions have expanded their footprint on the African continent and Ghana must replicate that policy. We must be deliberate and avoid politics with this policy.

By Paul Twum-Barimah
Executive Director
Institute of Public Policy and Accountability

HE National Democratic Congress (NDC), under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to transform Ghana into a 24-hour economy. 

This visionary policy represents a timely and strategic response to growing unemployment, underutilised infrastructure, and inefficiencies in service delivery. 

When properly implemented, a 24-hour economy can stimulate inclusive economic growth, enhance public sector productivity and improve the overall quality of life for Ghanaians.

This article provides a framework for the phased implementation of the 24-hour economy, starting with the public sector, based on the government’s role as the largest employer and job creator.

1. Rationale 

Globally, countries that operate around the clock often exhibit higher economic output, greater employment absorption and improved efficiency in public services. 

In Ghana, where youth unemployment remains high and public services are often congested during working hours, extending operations beyond the traditional 8a.m–5p.m window is both necessary and beneficial.

Key anticipated benefits include expanding shifts across sectors, creating opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians; citizens will have more flexible access to essential public and private services; underutilised assets such as buildings, equipment, and technology can be maximised, and a night-time economy generates new demand for transportation, energy, retail and hospitality services.

2. Starting with public sector 

The most effective way to demonstrate commitment and establish credibility is to begin implementation within government-managed institutions. 

A public sector-led approach offers the advantage of centralised control and policy direction. Priority institutions should include:

a) Healthcare facilities: Hospitals, polyclinics and emergency medical centres already operate on a 24-hour basis. Their current structures can be strengthened with improved funding, staffing, and logistics to serve as benchmarks for other sectors.

b) Educational institutions: Universities, technical schools, and public libraries can extend their hours to support flexible learning, research and skills training. Evening and weekend classes would especially benefit adult learners and working professionals.

c) Public Administrative Services: Agencies such as the Passport Office, Births and Deaths Registry, Ghana Immigration Service, DVLA, and the Registrar General’s Department often experience long queues and delays. Introducing extended hours or night shifts can: reduce congestion and waiting times; increase document processing capacity, and improve citizen satisfaction and trust in public institutions.

3. Shift systems

A full 24-hour economy involves three daily shifts (8-hour shifts covering the full day). However, a phased shift system should be adopted in the beginning: a two-shift model consisting of a day shift from 7:00a.m to 3:00p.m and an evening shift from 3:00p.m to 10:00p.m.

This model eases the burden of overnight operations and allows both staff and the public to gradually adapt. It also minimises utility costs and security concerns associated with night-time operations. Over time, institutions with high demand and readiness can transition into a full Three-Shift Model.

4. Labour considerations

The expansion of working hours will require significant recruitment, upskilling and adjustment of working conditions. The government must work closely with labour unions to review wage structures, shift allowances, and health and safety protocols, human resource departments to develop fair and transparent shift rosters, and training institutions to prepare a pipeline of skilled workers for new job openings.

Government incentives such as tax reliefs or subsidies can also be provided to private sector companies that adopt the 24-hour model.

5. Readiness

Infrastructure investments must precede or accompany policy roll-out. Key priorities include reliable energy supply, street lighting, public transportation and increased visibility of security services and presence at night.

6. Digital transformation

The digitalisation of public services can significantly enhance the success of a 24-hour economy. Key recommendations include 24/7 online access to government services like passport applications, tax filing and business registration; e-payment systems for faster and safer transactions, and data analytics and monitoring systems to track demand, performance, and citizen feedback in real-time.

7. Engagement

While the public sector leads the charge, the private sector including manufacturing, retail, banking, logistics, and hospitality should be encouraged to follow suit. 

Many manufacturers already operate night shifts during periods of high demand. Government can provide tax incentives and flexible labour laws to support transition, promote collaborations between public and private firms such as public-private partnerships for service delivery at night, and facilitate access to capital for small businesses seeking to expand into night operations.

The informal sector, including markets, vendors, and transport operators, also plays a crucial role. Their inclusion in planning and support structures such as lighting, sanitation, and security is essential.

8. Public awareness 

A national campaign must be launched to inform citizens about the objectives and benefits of the 24-hour economy, new service hours and channels, their rights as workers and consumers under the new model, community leaders, civil society organisations and the media must be engaged to promote inclusive dialogue and social acceptance.

Conclusion

The 24-hour economy, if strategically implemented, can serve as a powerful tool to address unemployment, increase public sector productivity, and enhance national competitiveness. 

A well-coordinated rollout starting with the public sector—supported by infrastructural investments, workforce expansion, and stakeholder engagement—will position Ghana as a forward-thinking, productivity-driven nation. 

This transformation, however, requires political will, policy coherence, and sustained public support. It is not merely a slogan; it must be a national development strategy.

The writer is the Head of Marketing Department at the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Ikabdul-hamid@upsamail.edu.gh 

In today’s interconnected world, the digital gap between small businesses and large corporations is quickly closing—thanks to cloud technology. Whether you’re running a fashion brand in Osu, a logistics firm in Tema, or a food distribution startup in Tamale, embracing the cloud can give your small business a significant boost in productivity, cost savings, and competitiveness. Cloud technology isn’t just for multinationals or tech giants. It’s a flexible, affordable, and scalable solution that can futureproof your business—especially in a country like Ghana, where digital transformation is gaining rapid momentum.

A smarter way to compete

For too long, many Ghanaian small businesses have believed that adopting advanced technology is a luxury only big players can afford. Not anymore. With cloud solutions, your business can operate like a larger, more established company—without the large overheads. You can streamline operations, store data securely, and provide services faster and smarter.

“Cloud solutions level the playing field,” says Kwesi Boateng, an IT consultant based in East Legon. “Even a team of five people can now access the kind of computing power that used to be exclusive to large enterprises.” What’s more, implementation doesn’t require months of planning or large upfront investment. Tailored cloud packages are available through local IT partners, and many setups can be done overnight with zero disruption to daily operations.

Flexible solutions for local challenges

Small businesses in Ghana often face challenges like inconsistent power supply, limited physical infrastructure, and the need to operate remotely. Cloud computing solves these problems by allowing teams to access business systems from anywhere—with just a smartphone or laptop and an internet connection.

Whether you run payroll, inventory, sales, or accounting, the cloud integrates your functions into one accessible platform. You no longer need to chase paper trails or worry about who updated what. You get real-time visibility into how your business is performing. As your business grows, cloud systems can scale with you—whether you’re hiring more staff, expanding to new regions, or managing high customer demand during festive seasons.

Cost savings that make sense

One of the biggest misconceptions about digital transformation is that it’s expensive. In fact, the cloud can save your business money.

• Instead of buying expensive computers for everyone, staff can use their own devices, reducing hardware costs.
• With more businesses embracing hybrid and remote work, smaller offices mean lower rent and utility bills.
• Cloud platforms often come with built-in sustainability benefits, using less energy and reducing environmental impact—a growing consideration for eco-conscious businesses in Ghana.

“We moved to a cloud-based invoicing system last year, and our electricity and printing costs dropped by nearly 40percent,” says Mabel Owusu, owner of a boutique furniture business in Kumasi.

Work from anywhere, hire from everywhere

In the past, recruitment was largely limited to candidates within commuting distance of your office. But cloud technology has eliminated location barriers, allowing you to recruit top talent from anywhere in Ghana—or even beyond. Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and Zoom allow seamless communication, meetings, file sharing, and project tracking. Whether your team is in Ho, Sunyani, or working from home in Dansoman, everyone can stay connected and productive.

Building resilience for the future

Every business faces unexpected challenges—whether it’s flooding, fire, hardware failure, or a cybersecurity scare. But with cloud systems, your data is automatically backed up and protected, reducing downtime and ensuring business continuity. This kind of digital resilience is critical for small businesses, where even a brief disruption can lead to customer dissatisfaction, lost revenue, or permanent closure.

A simple step that leads to big results

The idea of “going to the cloud” might sound overwhelming, but in reality, it’s easier than registering your business with the Registrar General’s Department. Most local cloud providers offer user-friendly onboarding, training, and support to get you started quickly and with confidence. Whether your goal is to improve cash flow visibility, run remote teams, attract better staff, or simply cut costs, cloud technology is the next logical step in your business journey.

In summary

Ghanaian small businesses have never had more opportunity to grow, scale, and compete globally. With the cloud, you’re not just catching up—you’re leaping ahead.

Cloud adoption means:

• Lower operational costs
• Greater flexibility
• Real-time insights
• A wider talent pool
• And the peace of mind that your business is prepared for tomorrow.

The cloud is not the future—it’s the now. And it’s ready for you.

>>>the writer is a seasoned cloud architect and systems administrator with expertise in leading technical teams to create innovative platforms. As CTO of eSolutions Consulting, he has spearheaded major projects like the Office 365 rollout for Ghana’s government and infrastructure deployment for the Ghana Revenue Authority. Recognized for his strategic use of emerging technologies, Allen has led his team to multiple Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, solidifying his role as a key leader in tech-driven business transformation. If you’d like to explore how these strategies can help your organization thrive, reach out to discuss tailored solutions for your business growth journey. He can be reached via allen@esolutionsghana.com and or 0540123034

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.