Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang says government is taking concrete steps to ensure that key public institutions including ports regulatory agencies, the courts, and licensing bodies are equipped to operate efficiently around the clock under its flagship 24-Hour Economy initiative.

She made the remarks at the 14th AGI Ghana Industry and Quality Awards on November 29, 2025. The event, organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), celebrates excellence and encourages innovation and competitiveness across the industrial sector.

According to the Vice President, the 24-Hour Economy policy is already yielding positive results, particularly in the Tema Light Manufacturing Belt, where extended operations have boosted productivity and created more night-shift jobs for young people.

“In pilot zones such as the Tema Light Manufacturing Belt, we have seen notable growth in output and youth employment through 24-hour operations. To sustain this momentum, we are working to ensure that essential public services are available continuously,” she stated.

She emphasized that institutions such as ports, regulatory bodies, courts, and licensing offices must be aligned with the needs of a round-the-clock industrial environment.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted government’s focus on value addition as part of its export-led growth agenda, especially within agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

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“With the establishment of the Accelerated Export Development Advisory Committee chaired by the President, Ghana is being positioned as a competitive export-driven economy. Our priority is value addition and diversification,” she noted.

She added that government is strengthening key value chains including cassava, tomatoes, palm oil, textiles, and pharmaceuticals to ensure Ghana can produce high-quality finished goods that meet global standards.

To support these ambitions, she said, government is investing heavily in logistics infrastructure, modernizing the ports system, expanding transportation networks, and operationalizing inland ports such as Boankra to improve trade efficiency.