Ghana’s ambition to build a 24-hour economy hinges on accelerated digital transformation, Dr Ishmael Nii Dodoo, Director and Head of Innovative Finance, Partnerships and Markets at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, has said.

Speaking at the launch of Ghana Digital and Innovation Week 2025 at the Accra International Conference Centre, Dr Dodoo described a future where opportunities, jobs, and innovation are available round the clock.

“Imagine a Ghana where it no longer matters whether it is 10 a.m. or 10 p.m., where opportunities are open, jobs are created, and innovation never pauses. That is what we are all working to build within this environment,” he said.

Dr Dodoo highlighted the role of young people as the “heartbeat of the 24-hour economy ambition,” urging them to take charge as the digital generation that will drive the country’s economic transformation.

He stressed that digital transformation is central to expanding markets and creating jobs, both locally and regionally. Citing demographics, he noted that over 57 per cent of China’s population is under the age of 25, emphasising that Ghana’s youth could similarly power national growth if supported with digital platforms and opportunities.

Dr Dodoo outlined several priority areas for Ghana’s 24-hour economy, including online education and finance platforms, smart city and transportation systems, and energy solutions to support a safe and efficient night economy.

“Without the 24-hour economy, it is just a dream. With it, the 24-hour economy becomes an unstoppable ambition,” he said.

The remarks come as Ghana intensifies efforts to digitise public services, expand infrastructure, and foster innovation under the government’s broader agenda to position the country as a hub for technology-driven economic growth.

The 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, under the Office of the President, is leading initiatives aimed at integrating digital solutions across sectors to enhance productivity and create employment.

Digital and Innovation Week, which runs this week, brings together government officials, startups, tech entrepreneurs, and international partners to discuss strategies for advancing Ghana’s innovation ecosystem and expanding access to technology across the country.