During a recent address, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, emphasized the pivotal role of consistent and reliable electricity in realizing Ghana’s ambition of a 24-hour economy. His statement was made in a meeting held at Manhyia Palace with functionaries from Dream Power Africa, a solar energy company.
He pointed out that without a stable power supply, efforts to boost productivity and economic growth through extended operational hours would face significant challenges.
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“The government is currently promoting the idea of a 24-hour economy. For this to succeed, there must be reliable energy access, especially in rural areas, as industries depend on it to operate effectively.
Looking at the bigger picture, this will contribute significantly to the country’s overall development,” he said.
The Asantehene’s remarks come at a time when Ghana is exploring strategies to enhance its economic output by encouraging businesses to operate beyond traditional hours. However, he cautioned that such initiatives would be ineffective without addressing the country’s energy infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Ghana’s energy sector has faced hurdles in the past, including inconsistent power supply and infrastructural limitations. Efforts are underway to diversify energy sources and improve grid reliability, but the Asantehene’s comments emphasizes the urgency of these developments in the context of broader economic goals.
According to President John Mahama, the 24-hour economy is an integral industrialisation drive and it has the potential to solve Ghana’s youth unemployment woes.
Stakeholders in the energy and economic sectors were encouraged by the Asantehene to collaborate in strengthening the nation’s power systems, recognizing that energy reliability is not just a utility concern but a foundational element for economic transformation.
