The successful implementation of President John Dramani Mahama’s “24-Hour Economy” policy will necessitate a significant overhaul of Ghana’s existing labour laws to effectively accommodate shift systems and extended working hours.
This crucial legislative reform was highlighted by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, July 2.
Minister Iddrisu emphasised that the “24-Hour Economy” initiative goes beyond simply implementing a shift system in public sector institutions like the Passport Office. Instead, it aims for a long-term economic transformation that allows businesses to operate continuously, thereby creating more jobs and boosting national productivity.
“There will be some reforms of the legal regime that affects the way we do business in Ghana, for instance, the Labour Act will have to be revised to respond to the shift question,” Iddrisu stated.
He explained that current labour laws, which typically stipulate an 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM workday, would need to be amended to legally permit categories of workers to operate beyond these hours.
The Minister acknowledged that any such changes would require extensive discussions with stakeholders, including the Trade Union Congress.
He drew parallels with European countries like Germany and the Netherlands, where shop closing times are regulated by specific labour laws, indicating that Ghana would need similar legislative adjustments to facilitate a round-the-clock economy.
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“You have to come by legislation and say that a category of workers can work beyond 4:35 p.m.,” he stressed, pointing to the need for a clear legal framework.
Iddrisu reiterated that the “24-Hour Economy” is primarily designed to be private sector-led, particularly focusing on manufacturing. He cited the example of factories in Guangzhou, China, that operate continuously, showcasing the potential for Ghana to emulate such productivity.
“For His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, he is assuming the seat and he will provide the leadership,” Iddrisu said, adding that Goosie Tanoh chairs an inter-ministerial committee, including ministers for finance, agriculture, trade, fisheries, and transport, to guide the policy’s synergy across sectors.
The Minister confirmed that the “24-Hour Economy” initiative is not merely a policy blueprint but will evolve into a statutory authority embedded within legislation. This legal framework will also include strategic incentives designed to encourage businesses to adopt the continuous operational model.
This proposed revision of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) signals the government’s commitment to creating an enabling legal environment for the “24-Hour Economy.”
The current Act allows for shift work but mandates that average hours over a four-week period do not exceed eight hours a day or forty hours a week.
The new reforms are expected to provide more flexibility while ensuring worker welfare and fair compensation, addressing concerns raised by labour unions during the initial discussions of the 24-hour economy concept.
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