Collins Sefa The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has launched a pilot program to extend fuel station operations to 24 hours, signaling a bold step toward a round-the-clock economy in Ghana.
Supported by a dedicated steering committee, the initiative aims to explore how extending operational hours can unlock productivity, reduce congestion, and create new jobs.
Fuel stations are a natural starting point. They already operate long hours, serve households and businesses, and are integral to Ghana’s transport and logistics networks. By piloting extended hours, the NPA is testing a model that could later be scaled to other sectors.
However, a true 24-hour economy requires more than fuel retail. Telecommunications, banking, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and healthcare all have reasons to operate beyond conventional hours. Ghanaian firms like MTN, Telecel, and AirtelTigo already provide essential services around the clock, showing that extended operations are feasible.
Banks such as Ecobank and GCB Bank could deepen night-time banking, trade finance, and SME support, while manufacturers and logistics companies could optimize shift patterns to improve asset utilization, lower unit costs, and create employment. Retail chains, ports, and cold storage operators could also reduce bottlenecks and enhance service delivery by spreading operations throughout the day.
The move offers significant benefits for workers as well. A structured 24-hour economy creates flexible job opportunities, helping young people find formal employment while reducing dependence on overcrowded public-sector roles or informal hustling.
Yet, the transition must be managed carefully. Worker safety, fair compensation, transport access, and reliable power supply are essential. The government’s role is critical in providing incentives, security, and infrastructure, while regulators must enforce operational standards.
The NPA pilot demonstrates that a 24-hour economy is not just a theoretical concept—it’s a practical possibility. The next challenge is leadership from Ghana’s largest companies to expand the model. If major sectors commit to operating beyond daylight hours, the economy could grow faster, absorb more labor, and maximize existing infrastructure.
“The question is no longer whether Ghana can run a 24-hour economy—it’s whether its major businesses are ready to lead the way”.
