The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has cautioned that persistent water shortages in key industrial and urban areas could threaten the success of the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy. The warning comes as Ghana prepares to roll out initiatives designed to boost continuous economic activity and stimulate job creation across various sectors.
In remarks shared during a recent media discussion, Abraham Koomson, Secretary-General of the GFL, highlighted concerns that inconsistent or unreliable water supply could undermine operational efficiency for businesses and industries expected to operate around the clock under the new policy framework. According to him, uninterrupted access to basic utilities such as water and electricity is essential for factories, small businesses, hospitality services, and other enterprises that the 24-Hour Economy policy aims to support.
Koomson pointed out that areas like Tema, a major industrial hub in Ghana, are already facing serious water supply challenges. He warned that if these shortages are not addressed promptly, industries might struggle to maintain production schedules, which could in turn hinder economic growth and reduce the anticipated employment benefits of the policy. His comments reflect broader concerns within business and labour groups about infrastructure readiness ahead of the full implementation of the 24-Hour Economy agenda.
The GFL is urging government agencies, water management authorities, and local leaders to collaborate on sustainable solutions that strengthen water infrastructure and ensure reliable supply. The federation stresses that without such actions, the vision of a vibrant 24-hour economy—where businesses operate continuously and contribute to national economic transformation—may face significant setbacks.
Experts and industry stakeholders have similarly highlighted the need for robust utility services to support continuous economic activity, noting that water scarcity could also lead to increased production costs for businesses that rely heavily on water as a core input.
