Parliament has on Thursday 5th February, 2026 commenced debate on the 24-Hour Economy Bill following the second reading, with Members divided over the necessity, structure, and feasibility of the proposed policy framework.
The Motion for the Second Reading moved by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, and seconded by Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.
The Chairman of the Committee Mahama Shaibu, subsequently presented the Committee’s report to the House.
Concerns Over Duplication and Cost
Leading the opposition critique, Isaac Boamah Nyarko questioned the rationale for establishing a new authority to oversee the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy. He argued that several of the proposed functions would duplicate the roles of existing institutions.
He further raised concerns about provisions granting the authority power to raise capital, warning that scarce public resources could be diverted into administrative costs rather than job creation. Boamah Nyarko also pointed out that the much-touted promise of three jobs and three shifts was conspicuously absent from the Bill.
Defence of Legislative Backing
In response, Hon. Isaac Adongo dismissed claims that key implementation formulas were missing from the Bill, arguing that not every policy detail needed to be codified in law. He stressed that unlike previous flagship initiatives such as Planting for Food and Jobs and One District, One Factory, which were implemented without legal backing, the 24-Hour Economy policy is anchored in legislation.
Strong Rejection from Minority MPs
Hon. Steven Amoah was scathing in his assessment, describing the Bill as another policy cliché disguised as development. He argued that the policy primarily creates opportunities for private industry to enrich itself while burdening taxpayers.
According to him, the government has failed to prepare the necessary ecosystem to support a 24-hour economy, calling the policy unsustainable and a “sham.” He accused the government of propaganda and claimed current macroeconomic stability is a result of policies implemented by the previous NPP administration.
Government Pushes Back
Countering the criticism, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza insisted that the 24-Hour Economy is not a new project but an ongoing process. He cited the Big Push Programme, including access roads to economic centres, noting that thousands of jobs are already being created.
Calls for Withdrawal of the Bill
Hon. Anyimadu Antwi expressed doubts about the coherence of the Bill, stating that he could not see a clear connection between the services proposed and the policy objectives being promised. He warned that over-reliance on the private sector could undermine the policy’s success and urged the Attorney-General to withdraw the Bill for further work.
Support from the Majority Side
In support of the Bill, Hon. Nikyema Billa Alamzy (Chiana-Paga MP) argued that a 24-hour economy would expand access to essential services, create employment, boost productivity, and improve emergency response systems.
Similarly, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahim, MP for Salaga South, said government’s deliberate and cautious approach in developing the policy demonstrates commitment to sustainable implementation, unlike what she described as ad-hoc initiatives under previous administrations.
Energy, Employment, and Authority Questioned
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor urged honesty in addressing unemployment, warning against creating false hope among the youth. He questioned the need for a new authority, particularly under the energy security pillar, noting that existing institutions already perform similar functions. He also challenged the logic behind the proposed three-shift system within a 24-hour framework.
Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah echoed similar concerns, arguing that the Bill neither mandates round-the-clock employment nor justifies the establishment of a new authority, concluding that it fails to deliver a true 24-hour economy.
Final Appeal
Closing the debate, Majority Leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga appealed to Members to support the Bill, urging the House to vote overwhelmingly in its favour. He likened its potential impact to the recently established GoldBod, which he said is already yielding positive results for the country.
Debate on the Bill is expected to continue as Parliament considers its broader economic and employment implications as it advances to the consideration stage.
