President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that Ghana’s Tema and Takoradi ports will transition to 24-hour operations starting July 1, 2025, as part of his administration’s ambitious 24-hour economy initiative.
Speaking at the 2025 Ghana Horticulture Expo, Mahama emphasized that the policy aims to boost national productivity, streamline logistics, and expand exports, ensuring Ghana’s competitiveness in global markets.
“We are also implementing a game-changing strategy—the 24-hour economy initiative to unlock Ghana’s productive potential across all sectors,” he stated.
“I’m pleased to announce that on July 1, the 24-hour initiative policy will be ready to go into operation,” Mahama added, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic transformation.
The decision to extend port operations to round-the-clock service is expected to bring multiple benefits, including enhanced trade efficiency, shorter processing times, and increased investment opportunities for both local and foreign businesses.
The initiative specifically targets improvements in horticulture, mining, and manufacturing, sectors that rely heavily on efficient port logistics.
“This policy will provide the framework for continuous production, processing, and logistics in horticulture,” Mahama explained, underscoring how the policy is designed to support export-led growth.
The president further assured that the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Transport are collaborating with key agencies—including the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Ghana Shippers’ Council, and other stakeholders—to execute the transition seamlessly.
“I’m pleased to inform you that these agencies are working together to soon declare the Tema and Takoradi ports as 24-hour ports,” he said.
A Response to Stakeholder Demands
The move toward 24/7 operations addresses longstanding concerns from exporters, logistics firms, and trade bodies, who have consistently advocated for extended port hours to ease congestion, reduce turnaround times, and improve operational efficiency.
For years, businesses have struggled with delays in clearing goods, increased costs due to limited operating hours, and logistical bottlenecks that have hampered Ghana’s ability to maximize exports.
The shift to continuous operations is expected to significantly reduce these challenges.
The full 24-hour economy policy will officially launch on July 1, 2025, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s economic reform agenda under Mahama’s leadership.
Maintaining Ghana’s regional and global competitiveness remains a priority, and extending port operations signals the administration’s commitment to modernizing trade infrastructure and positioning Ghana as a key hub for commerce in West Africa.
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