The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on both domestic and international investors to support Ghana’s energy sector, highlighting its critical role in realising the government’s proposed 24-hour economy.

Speaking at a high-level forum with Dream Power Africa, a leading solar energy company, at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene emphasised the need for consistent and accessible electricity to drive national development.

“Currently, the government has been talking about a 24-hour economy. If that is successful, then energy must also be available in rural areas, and industries will need it to function efficiently. So, from a wider perspective, it will all help in the development of this country,” he stated.

He stressed that without a reliable energy infrastructure, the 24-hour economy cannot be fully implemented, especially in remote communities where power access remains limited.

The 24-hour economy is a flagship policy of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), introduced in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections. It aims to stimulate continuous economic activity across sectors such as healthcare, ICT, manufacturing, and agriculture by promoting round-the-clock operations in both public and private institutions.

President John Dramani Mahama, who championed the policy, described it as a cornerstone of his broader industrialisation agenda and a strategic tool to address youth unemployment.

To support its implementation, Mahama appointed Augustus “Goosie” Tanoh as Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, with a mandate to lead the initiative’s rollout.

However, Ghana's energy sector continues to face serious challenges, including frequent power outages and load-shedding, which undermine business productivity and economic progress.

Energy experts have long argued that investment in the sector generates significant economic returns, with each dollar spent creating a multiplier effect across the economy.

NAD/VPO