The government has promised that while it implements policies to increase productivity and create jobs, the expansion and viability of private enterprises will be given top priority in its projected 24-hour economy program.
In addition to covering basic public services like health, transportation, and security, the policy would also foster an atmosphere that would allow private businesses to operate outside of regular business hours, according to Mr. Goosie Tanoh, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour Economy Initiative.
He stated that the private sector continues to be the foundation of Ghana’s economy and that the success of the 24-hour agenda depended on its full involvement at the Central Expo 2025 business forum in Cape Coast.
“Our focus is to support private businesses, be they small, medium, or large-scale, to take advantage of this new shift. We will work to ensure that the right incentives, infrastructure, and security systems are in place to allow businesses to operate around the clock,” he said.
“Empowering Women and Youth-led Enterprises to Promote Economic Growth” was the theme of the forum.
In order to maximize the region’s economic potential and quicken its development trajectory, the Central Expo is an annual week-long event that draws thousands of exhibitors and investors.
With the subject “Unlocking Business Opportunities in the Central Region,” this year’s event took place at Cape Coast’s Adisadel College Park from Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 31. It showcased the region’s extensive trade, tourism, and investment potential to a global audience.
The expo’s objectives were to increase global visibility, cultivate alliances, and promote business growth, especially for SMEs, while showcasing the area’s investment opportunities to a wide range of audiences, including those in the corporate and financial sectors.
It was a calculated move to boost economic activity and utilize the area’s undeveloped resources, in line with the Central Regional Coordinating Council’s (CRCC) Regional Development Strategy and Transformative Agenda.
The expo encouraged domestic travel, drew private sector investments, generated job possibilities, and encouraged youth entrepreneurship by providing business forums and networking opportunities to explore innovative ideas and collaborations.
Industries like manufacturing, hotels, retail, logistics, and digital commerce were anticipated to benefit greatly from the program, according to Mr. Tanoh.
He urged all parties involved to work together to make sure the area becomes the driving force behind Ghana’s future.
He challenged them to transform the exhibition from a mere event into a movement that brought about change in order to strengthen the local economy.
Mr. Tanoh promised that continued discussions between the government and industry participants would resolve some of the issues raised, such as the cost of electricity and safety, and guarantee that the 24-hour economy produced inclusive economic possibilities for all companies.
At the meeting, some entrepreneurs applauded the decision, pointing to chances to increase output and cater to an expanding customer base.
“If power supply and security are guaranteed, we can increase our shifts and employ more people,” stated Abigail Hanson, manager of a hair growth product from Abura Dunkwa.
Traders and small business owners, meanwhile, had previously voiced worries about nighttime safety, staffing, and electrical costs.
They called on the government to offer focused assistance in order to keep the program from favoring big businesses exclusively.
The Central Regional Minister, Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, urged all companies to work with the CRCC in order to guarantee that the region developed at the anticipated rate for their advantage.
Source: newsthemegh.com