The General Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has called on the government to urgently revive Ghana’s manufacturing sector, arguing that it is the foundation for the successful implementation of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy policy.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Mr. Koomson said Ghana could not afford for the policy to fail, describing it as a major opportunity to create jobs, boost productivity, attract investment, and accelerate industrial growth.
According to him, while extending business operating hours is a positive initiative, the true success of the 24-hour economy depends on restoring the country’s productive industries to operate around the clock.
“A 24-hour market is a good initiative, but what will truly drive the 24-hour economy is the revival of our factories. If our shoe factories, textile industries and other manufacturing companies remain closed, the policy will not achieve its full potential. We need production to run day and night, create jobs, increase exports, and stimulate economic growth. Reviving our industries must therefore be at the centre of the 24-hour economy agenda,” he said.
Mr. Koomson urged the government to prioritise the rehabilitation of dormant factories, including shoe manufacturing firms, textile companies, and other industrial enterprises, to generate sustainable employment while increasing domestic production and exports.
He stressed that a successful 24-hour economy cannot rely solely on commercial activities and retail markets but must be underpinned by a vibrant industrial sector capable of producing goods continuously for both local consumption and international markets.
The GFL General Secretary disclosed that organised labour has already held discussions with the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) on the policy, during which President John Dramani Mahama described the 24-hour economy as a “game changer” capable of transforming Ghana’s economic fortunes.
Mr. Koomson also revealed that organised labour has engaged members of the business community, many of whom support the initiative but have expressed concerns about its implementation.
According to him, investors are seeking greater policy clarity, affordable financing, reliable electricity, improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and sustained engagement with government before committing additional investments.
He cautioned that failure to deliver tangible results could provide ammunition for critics, particularly the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), to dismiss the initiative as a political slogan rather than a transformative economic programme.
Mr. Koomson further disclosed that he has sought to engage officials at the Presidency on the implementation of the policy but has yet to meet with the head of the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat.
“We cannot afford to fail on this policy,” he emphasised. “The expectations of Ghanaians are high, and this initiative must succeed. Government, organised labour, manufacturers, and the private sector must work together to revive industries, create decent jobs, increase production, and build a stronger economy.”
He urged the government to treat the 24-hour economy as a national priority by fast-tracking interventions that support industrial revival, improve the business environment, and strengthen local manufacturing.
Mr. Koomson expressed confidence that with strong political commitment, strategic investment, and effective collaboration between government and the private sector, the 24-hour economy could help reverse unemployment, revitalise Ghana’s industrial sector, and position the country as a competitive manufacturing and production hub in West Africa.
By Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah