Deloitte: 24-Hour Economy and Export Programmes Hold Key to Ghana's Economic Transformation and Job Creation

Ghana stands at a crossroads of economic possibility, where bold government initiatives could unlock unprecedented growth and employment—or where familiar challenges could derail progress once again. According to global professional services giant Deloitte, the path forward hinges critically on two flagship programmes that have dominated national economic conversations.

In its latest West Africa in Focus report, Deloitte declares that the government's 24-hour Economy Programme and Accelerated Export Development Programme represent essential mechanisms for unleashing Ghana's vast but often underutilized economic potential, creating desperately needed jobs, and positioning the nation as a competitive force in regional and global markets.

The 24-hour Economy Programme—a signature policy initiative aimed at transforming Ghana's economic landscape—envisions businesses, industries, and public services operating around the clock, maximizing productivity, creating night-shift employment, and ensuring Ghanaians can access services at any hour.

Think of it as moving Ghana from a typical 9-to-5 economy to one that never sleeps, similar to major global cities where economic activity continues 24 hours daily. Factories would run multiple shifts, restaurants would serve customers late into the night, and public transportation would operate continuously.

The Accelerated Export Development Programme focuses on dramatically expanding Ghana's export capacity beyond traditional commodities, helping local businesses access international markets, meet global quality standards, and diversify the products Ghana sells to the world.

Together, Deloitte argues, these programmes create an "enabling environment" that fosters investment opportunities while generating the employment that Ghana's youthful population urgently needs.

Beyond policy initiatives, Deloitte highlights tangible developments already underway. The expansion of the Bibiani gold mine in Western Ghana will "positively contribute to export revenues," the firm notes, adding real productive capacity to complement policy ambitions.

Ghana's gold sector has historically been a cornerstone of export earnings. Expanding existing mines means increased production volumes, more foreign exchange earnings, and additional employment in mining communities—though environmental and community impact considerations remain important.

The Bibiani mine expansion represents the kind of investment-driven growth that complements the broader economic programmes Deloitte champions.

Ghana achieved a significant milestone when inflation dropped to 6.3% in November 2025, finally cementing single-digit inflation after years of double-digit rates that eroded purchasing power and complicated economic planning.

This inflation success, combined with anticipated further reductions in the Bank of Ghana's (BoG) monetary policy rate, creates favorable conditions for the projected growth in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Lower inflation means Ghanaians' money goes further. Reduced interest rates make borrowing more affordable for businesses seeking to expand and families hoping to invest in homes or education. Together, these conditions create the macroeconomic stability that businesses need to plan confidently for the future.

Deloitte projects impressive economic expansion: 5.5% growth in 2025, 5.7% in 2026, and 6.0% in 2027.

These projections reflect what the firm describes as "strong momentum in the overall economy and a reduced reliance on oil"—a crucial diversification that makes Ghana's economy more resilient against commodity price shocks.

For context, many advanced economies struggle to achieve 3% annual growth. Ghana's projected rates would represent robust expansion, creating opportunities for job creation, infrastructure development, and improved living standards—if realized.

However, Deloitte doesn't sugarcoat the risks that could derail these optimistic projections. The firm warns of "several factors that could impede these projections," painting a realistic picture of challenges ahead.

Cocoa Production Vulnerabilities: Fluctuations in cocoa output due to climate-related impacts, the devastating spread of the swollen shoot virus, and smuggling activities all threaten Ghana's position as a leading cocoa producer. Cocoa remains a major export earner and employer, making its health critical to overall economic performance.

Commodity Price Volatility: "As global uncertainty ebbs, the attractiveness of gold will wane, ending the ongoing price rally of the commodity," Deloitte cautions. Ghana has benefited enormously from recent high gold prices, but this advantage may prove temporary as international conditions stabilize.

Inflation Pressure Points: Despite the November success, key risks to Ghana's inflation outlook include:

• Higher utility tariffs for electricity and water, which directly impact household budgets and business operating costs

• Persistently high domestic food prices, which disproportionately affect lower-income Ghanaians who spend larger portions of their income on food

• Potential gold price declines that could impact the stability of the cedi and drive imported inflation as the local currency weakens

Deloitte identifies potential mitigation strategies for these risks: maintaining "still high interest rates" and exercising "fiscal discipline."

This represents the delicate balancing act facing Ghana's economic managers. Interest rates are high enough to control inflation but low enough to encourage investment. Government spending is disciplined enough to avoid inflationary pressures but sufficient to fund essential services and infrastructure.

It's the economic equivalent of walking a tightrope—requiring skill, focus, and sometimes uncomfortable trade-offs between competing priorities.

Behind the percentages and policy programmes are real implications for ordinary citizens:

Job Creation: The 24-hour Economy could create night-shift manufacturing jobs, late-night service sector employment, and opportunities in 24-hour logistics and transportation.

Business Opportunities: The Accelerated Export Development Programme could help Ghanaian entrepreneurs access lucrative international markets, expanding beyond domestic customers.

Price Stability: Successful inflation management means the cedi in your pocket retains its value, making planning and saving more viable.

Economic Security: Reduced reliance on oil and commodity diversification creates a more stable economy, less vulnerable to external shocks.

Deloitte's analysis suggests Ghana possesses the policy frameworks, natural resources, and growth potential to achieve transformational economic progress over the next three years.

But potential doesn't automatically translate to reality. Success requires disciplined implementation of the 24-hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, managing the identified risks effectively, and maintaining the macroeconomic stability that creates confidence for investors and citizens alike.

As Ghana navigates 2026 and beyond, the question isn't whether the economy could grow at 5-6% annually—Deloitte believes it can. The question is whether policymakers, businesses, and citizens can collectively execute the vision while managing the very real threats that could undermine progress.

The opportunities are clear. The challenges are identified. Now comes the hard work of turning economic potential into lived prosperity for Ghana's 33 million people.