Trade Minister’s declaration that a 24-hour economy is essential for agribusiness transformation has drawn both praise and skepticism. While he argues that around-the-clock operations will boost productivity, critics question whether Ghana’s infrastructure, energy supply, and rural logistics are ready for such a shift. Some industry players see the policy as more political rhetoric than practical reform—warning that without real investment, the 24-hour economy could remain an unfulfilled campaign promise.
Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using the 24-hour economy as a catalyst to unlock the full potential of agribusiness and drive sustainable industrial growth.
Speaking at the National Agribusiness Dialogue in Accra on Monday, the Minister said the government’s round-the-clock economic strategy offers a strategic opportunity to boost productivity and deepen value addition across the agriculture value chain.
“The 24-hour economy is not just about extending work hours. It is a deliberate, transformative approach that supports agro-processing, logistics, storage, and market access, ensuring continuous operations and reduced post-harvest losses,” Ofosu-Adjare said.
Themed “Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth,” the high-level dialogue convened key stakeholders from Ghana’s agriculture, trade, and industry sectors to examine strategies for modernising agriculture and integrating smallholder farmers, agripreneurs, and SMEs into a more competitive national economy.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare highlighted that the policy direction aligns with Ghana’s broader vision of inclusive and resilient industrialisation. “We are laying the foundation for an agribusiness sector that is modern, globally competitive, and anchored in sustainability and innovation,” she noted.
She added that the government’s strategy will expand employment opportunities, enhance processing capacity, and ensure agribusinesses operate at scale in a 24-hour framework.
“The president is committed to industrialising with purpose and ensuring that every Ghanaian, from smallholder farmers to agro-entrepreneurs, has a stake in our country’s transformation,” the Minister said.
Calling for active participation in shaping the sector’s future, she urged stakeholders to bring bold, innovative ideas to the discussion. “Let us challenge conventional thinking and collaborate on solutions that will define the future of agribusiness in Ghana.”
The National Agribusiness Dialogue is part of ongoing efforts to align public policy with private sector needs in agriculture and industry. Participants explored interventions to enhance productivity, improve export competitiveness, and deepen integration of agribusiness into Ghana’s long-term industrialisation agenda.
