The Member of Parliament for Lambussie, Hon. Prof. Dr. Titus Beyuo, has hailed the passage of the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025 as proof of President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to delivering on campaign promises.
Speaking to the media after Parliament passed the Bill into law on Friday, Prof. Beyuo said the speed of its passage demonstrates the seriousness with which the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is pursuing economic transformation.
“The passage of this Bill is another testimony that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama is a man who walks the talk. It has been passed in record time,” he said.
Presidential assent, Authority next
According to the Lambussie MP, the next major step will be presidential assent, followed by the establishment of the 24-Hour Economy Authority and the appointment of the officers required to operationalise the programme.
He expressed confidence that within a year, the Authority would be fully set up with a structured secretariat to coordinate implementation nationwide.
24-hour outpatient services to begin at teaching hospitals
Prof. Beyuo disclosed that early implementation of the 24-Hour Economy agenda is already visible in the health sector.
Drawing on his role as a board member of the Ministry of Health, he revealed that the Minister has directed all teaching hospitals across the country to run 24-hour outpatient services, extending beyond the emergency-only services that previously operated around the clock.
“Someone with hypertension or diabetes can now walk into Korle-Bu, Komfo Anokye or Cape Coast Teaching Hospital at any time of the day or night to see a doctor and receive medication,” he explained.
Ripple effects expected across sectors
The Lambussie MP believes the move will have a cascading effect across other sectors of the economy, encouraging both public and private institutions to extend operating hours and create more jobs.
“This will force the creation of shift systems, and that means more jobs for young people,” he noted.
Street lighting and security critical
Prof. Beyuo stressed that for the 24-Hour Economy to succeed, government must address street lighting, security, and energy supply.
He called on the Minister for Energy and Green Transition to intensify efforts to light up cities and communities to improve visibility and safety.
He also welcomed ongoing recruitment into the security services, arguing that increased police presence would boost confidence for night-time economic activity.
“If people feel safe, filling stations can operate at night, pharmacies can stay open, and businesses can run late into the night,” he said.
Incentives to drive participation
Prof. Beyuo acknowledged that while some businesses already operate 24 hours, many are yet to enjoy the incentives outlined under the new law.
He pointed to tax refunds and time-of-use electricity tariffs as key incentives that will encourage more companies to adopt round-the-clock operations once the Authority is established.
“When the Authority is created, many companies will be incentivised to run for 24 hours and enjoy the full benefits this law brings,” he added.
Optimism about implementation
The Lambussie MP expressed optimism that the establishment of the 24-Hour Economy Authority will bring structure, coordination, and sustainability to the programme.
“We look forward with hope that this law will help transform the economy and create opportunities for our people,” he concluded.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
