Ghana's Parliament to Adopt Shift System Under 24-Hour Economy Initiative
- The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced plans to implement a shift system as part of the government's 24-hour economy initiative
- Bagbin explained that the shift system will help manage the high volume of work in Parliament, offering staff flexible hours across three shifts
- The 24-hour economy policy aims to boost economic activity and create job opportunities for Ghanaian youth in various sectors
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The Parliament of Ghana is planning to introduce a shift system as part of the government's 24-Hour Economy initiative, aimed at boosting productivity and driving economic growth.
This was announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Presidential Advisor, Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh, which explored issues around the 24-hour economy.
Source: UGC
Speaker Bagbin said the volume of work at the Parliament House often overwhelms and stretches the staff beyond their required working hours.
He explained that under the shift system, staff could work for eight hours across three separate shifts.
"I recall my response to a concern from the staff that, because we changed our sitting hours to two, it would compel them to stay later into the night. They were saying this would be disadvantageous to them, as it means they would have to work more hours," he reportedly said.
Speaker Bagbin further explained that the shift system would enhance efficiency in the operations of Parliament while also reducing unemployment.
What the 24-hour policy is about
The 24-hour economy policy is a system that the NDC is seeking to roll out, where businesses operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This was a key campaign promise made to Ghanaians by President John Mahama during the 2024 electioneering period.
Source: UGC
The policy, spearheaded by Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh, is designed to stimulate economic activity by enabling businesses and public institutions to operate around the clock in three eight-hour shifts.
The policy is expected to be a game changer for Ghana's economy, creating jobs and opportunities for Ghanaian youth across sectors like commerce, industry, and services.
It is also anticipated to increase economic activity and productivity.
Key features of the 24-hour economy initiative include:
- Shift System: The shift system will allow for more efficient use of resources, increased productivity, and job creation.
- Economic Sectors: The initiative will focus on key sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, construction, financial services, and more.
- Public Institutions: Public institutions with high customer traffic, like ports and customs, will operate 24/7 to enhance efficiency.
- Legislative Support: A new Employment Act will be enacted to regulate the 24-hour economy effectively.
Gov't set to launch 24-hour economy initiative
The Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour economy, Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh, stated that the initiative was set to be launched on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The programme, which aims to transform production with agriculture as its main anchor, includes other key components.
Support groups like Grow 24, Make 24, and Aspire 24 are set to play a crucial role in ensuring the policy's success.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
