Mahama Promotes 24-Hour Economy Vision to Kwahu Entrepreneurs Amid Rising Utility Service Efficiency

Former President John Dramani Mahama has intensified his engagement with the Ghanaian business community, urging the Kwahu Business Forum Advocacy Association to lead a shift toward manufacturing and agro-processing. Central to his economic agenda is the proposed 24-Hour Economy Initiative and the Accelerated Export Development Programme, which aim to boost productivity and job creation. Mahama emphasized that public-private partnerships are essential for national growth, acknowledging the significant entrepreneurial spirit of the Kwahu region while pledging infrastructure improvements and tax reforms to alleviate the burden on indigenous firms. He further advocated for the establishment of a permanent convention center to host future business forums, highlighting the government's commitment to an open-door policy for investors.

However, the realization of a 24-hour economy requires more than just business participation; it demands a wholesale transformation of state institutions. Policy analysts argue that such an ambitious vision cannot be sustained by an 8-hour government. For the initiative to succeed, there must be a coordinated effort across security, transportation, and digital services, ensuring that government offices are as responsive as the businesses they serve. Drawing parallels to successful models in Singapore and the UAE, experts emphasize that institutional efficiency and a change in societal mindset regarding productivity are prerequisites for the transition to a round-the-clock economic cycle.

A critical pillar for this industrial growth is the reliability of utility services, which has shown signs of improved responsiveness according to the latest data from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). In the first half of 2026, the PURC reported impressive resolution rates for consumer complaints: 99.31% in the Northern Region and 97% across the Western and Western North regions. While the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) were the primary subjects of these complaints—mostly concerning quality of service—the high resolution rates suggest a growing commitment to consumer protection. The commission also facilitated over GH₵563,000 in electricity infrastructure improvements in the north, reflecting a tangible investment in the country's energy foundation.

Beyond Ghana's borders, the regional energy landscape is also shifting toward modernization, presenting a broader context for infrastructure development. In São Tomé and Príncipe, the government has partnered with TECMON Energy to overhaul its national electricity sector. Following a Memorandum of Understanding, a delegation led by Dr. Rajesh Ramchandra Kashyap proposed a phased program focusing on network reinforcement, advanced metering, and the integration of renewable energy. This regional move toward diversified and resilient electricity systems underscores a shared West African priority of securing the stable energy supplies necessary to drive modern industrial and commercial ambitions.