2026 Budget: Govt allocates GHC110m for 24-Hour Economy Programme

The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the government will allocate GH¢110 million in 2026 to implement the 24-Hour Economy Programme as part of efforts to boost productivity, exports, and job creation across the country.

He made this known on Thursday, November 13, when he presented the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament.

According to the Minister, the 24-Hour Economy initiative aims to unlock round-the-clock economic activity by encouraging industries, businesses, and services to operate beyond traditional working hours.

The programme’s financing will be supported through the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), the Development Bank Ghana (DBG), and private capital to minimise reliance on the sovereign balance sheet.

In the agriculture sector, the government is committing GH¢245 million in 2026 to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to strengthen food security and expand agro-industrial value chains. The allocation will support key programmes such as Feed Ghana, grains and vegetable production, and the Nkoko Nkitinkiti livestock initiative.

To transform the oil palm industry into a driver of rural prosperity, export growth, and job creation, the government will establish a dedicated GH¢6.9 billion Oil Palm Finance Window under the National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development (2026–2032). The initial phase of this initiative will provide funding for nurseries, out-growers, land-bank activation, long-term crop financing, smallholder inclusion, and value addition through local processing.

Additionally, GH¢828 million has been earmarked for the construction of 1,000 kilometres of agriculture enclave roads to ease the transportation of farm produce to markets and reduce food inflation. The government has also allocated GH¢690 million to commence the operationalisation of Farmer Service Centres to enhance access to inputs, extension services, and mechanisation.

To stabilise food prices and support farmers, GH¢200 million has been set aside for the Ghana Buffer Stock Company to purchase excess food produce and minimise post-harvest losses. Furthermore, GH¢100 million has been allocated for aquaculture development to boost fish production and promote food security.

In the energy sector, the government has earmarked GH¢2 billion for Phase I of the Rural Electricity Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative to expand access to reliable power across the country. An additional GH¢15.2 billion has been set aside to cover energy sector shortfall payments, while GH¢4.8 billion has been allocated to settle legacy debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in 2026.

The Finance Minister emphasised that these investments are strategically designed to drive inclusive growth, enhance productivity, and create sustainable jobs, particularly for the youth. He added that the allocations reflect government’s continued commitment to building a resilient economy anchored on industrialisation, food security, and energy stability.