Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, announced Thursday that the Parliamentary Service will adopt a 24-hour work schedule, marking the first phase of a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing rising unemployment and boosting economic productivity.
The shift, expected to be implemented in the coming weeks, is part of a broader policy initiative known as the 24-Hour Economy, a central campaign pledge of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The initiative is designed to expand employment opportunities and increase output by promoting around-the-clock operations across key sectors.
“This means staff will begin reporting at 8:00 a.m. and may be required to stay as late as 10:00 or even 11:00 p.m.,” Speaker Bagbin said during the formal presentation of the policy’s final framework at Parliament. “The workload here is unimaginable. This move will enable us to hire more hands and help reduce unemployment.”
The plan comes as the legislative body contends with increased internal demands following a recent revision to the House’s sitting schedule—from a four-hour sitting period beginning at 10:00 a.m., to a more condensed window starting at 2:00 p.m. The adjustment has intensified pressure on parliamentary staff, particularly in the official records and legislative divisions.
The national rollout of the 24-hour economy policy is slated for July 2, 2025, with Parliament serving as the pilot institution before the model is expanded to other government departments and industries.
Goosie Tanoh, a presidential advisor and lead architect of the policy, characterized the program as a “transformational economic strategy.” Speaking during Thursday’s presentation, Tanoh said the initiative will rest on three core pillars:
- Transforming production
- Improving supply chains and market systems
- Enhancing human capital
These foundations will be supported by targeted sub-programs such as:
- Grow 24 – aimed at modernizing agricultural practices
- Make 24 – promoting manufacturing and industrial development
- Connect 24 – streamlining logistics and distribution networks
- Aspire 24 – encouraging a culture of productivity and innovation
While the plan has drawn interest from business and labor leaders alike, its full impact will depend on execution, infrastructure readiness, and the government’s ability to incentivize private sector participation. Nonetheless, supporters argue that a gradual shift to a 24-hour operational model could unlock significant gains in employment and economic diversification.
The Parliamentary Service is expected to serve as a test case for refining logistics, labor policies, and management frameworks that could later be replicated across Ghana’s public and private sectors.
Source:TheDotNews