As Ghana seeks to bolster its agricultural output and drive economic growth, the concept of a 24-hour economy, as proposed by John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer for the 2024 general election, in the agriculture, agro-processing, and agribusiness sectors, is emerging as a transformative approach.

By ensuring continuous operations across the agricultural value chain, the nation stands to achieve multiple critical objectives: increasing productivity, creating jobs, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing market access, stimulating economic growth, and combating food inflation, which reached a staggering 69% in 2022.

This article aims to evaluate how the implementation of this 24-hour economy policy could significantly benefit the agricultural sector and, by extension, the entire nation. The policy’s potential to revolutionize the agricultural landscape in Ghana cannot be overstated. By shifting towards continuous operations, the agricultural sector can optimize resource use, enhance productivity, and significantly reduce waste.

The introduction of 24-hour irrigation systems and round-the-clock farming activities would ensure that land is utilized more effectively, leading to higher crop yields. Mechanization and continuous agricultural extension services would further support this growth, providing farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge to operate efficiently around the clock.

Objectives

Increase Productivity: Continuous operations in agriculture can dramatically increase productivity by optimizing land use and crop yields through modern irrigation systems and mechanized farming. This round-the-clock activity ensures that no time is wasted, and every opportunity for growth is maximized.

Job Creation: The implementation of a 24-hour economy will generate substantial employment opportunities in agriculture, processing, logistics, and agribusiness management, offering a new lifeline to both rural and urban economies.

Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses: A significant portion of Ghana’s agricultural produce is lost due to inadequate storage and processing facilities. By establishing 24-hour processing plants and cold storage facilities, post-harvest losses can be drastically reduced, ensuring that more produce reaches the market in optimal condition.

Market Access: Continuous market operations allow farmers and agribusinesses to access buyers at all hours, enhancing their ability to sell produce and receive timely payments. This round-the-clock access is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of goods and ensuring food security.

Economic Growth: The ripple effect of a 24-hour economy will stimulate economic activities in both rural and urban areas, driving income generation and contributing to overall economic growth.

Reduce Food Inflation: With a continuous supply of agricultural products, the market will be less susceptible to shortages, thereby stabilizing prices and reducing food inflation, which has had a crippling effect on household incomes.

Key Components

Agricultural Production: The backbone of this 24-hour economy lies in agricultural production. By implementing modern irrigation systems that operate continuously, crops can be cultivated throughout the year, even in dry seasons. Mechanization of farming activities, from planting to harvesting, further supports these operations, ensuring efficiency and higher yields. Additionally, round-the-clock agricultural extension services will be essential to provide farmers with the necessary technical support and innovations needed to maximize productivity.

Agro-Processing: Establishing 24-hour agro-processing facilities is crucial to managing the increased agricultural output. These plants will process raw agricultural products into finished goods, reducing the risk of spoilage and adding value to the produce.

Cold storage facilities will play a pivotal role in preserving perishable items, ensuring they remain fresh until they reach consumers. An efficient logistics network is also necessary to support the continuous movement of goods from farms to processing plants and markets.

Agribusiness: To ensure the success of a 24-hour economy, market access for farmers and agribusinesses must be seamless. This involves creating markets and trading hubs that operate round the clock, allowing for continuous buying and selling of agricultural products.

Financial institutions must also provide 24-hour banking and financial services to support transactions. Technology will be a key enabler, with digital platforms providing real-time market information, facilitating transactions, and managing the supply chain.

Implementation Plan

Infrastructure Development: Investment in infrastructure is paramount to the success of a 24-hour agricultural economy. This includes the development of modern irrigation systems, the construction of processing plants capable of continuous operation, and the establishment of cold storage and warehouse facilities. These investments will ensure that the agricultural value chain is robust and capable of supporting round-the-clock activities.

Capacity Building: Equally important is building the capacity of the workforce. Farmers, processors, and agribusiness owners need training in best practices for 24-hour operations. Extension services should be expanded to provide continuous support, while technological adoption should be promoted to enhance efficiency across the value chain.

Policy and Regulatory Framework: A supportive policy environment is essential for encouraging continuous operations in agriculture and agribusiness. This includes developing policies that incentivize 24-hour operations through tax breaks, subsidies, and grants. Regulatory oversight must also be strengthened to ensure quality standards are maintained and fair practices are observed.

Stakeholder Engagement: The success of this initiative will depend on strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and development partners. Public-private partnerships should be fostered to drive infrastructure development and capacity building.

Local communities must be involved in the planning and implementation process to ensure their needs are addressed, while industry associations can play a key role in promoting best practices and advocating for supportive policies.

Benefits

The benefits of a 24-hour economy in the agriculture, agro-processing, and agribusiness sectors are far-reaching. Increased Employment: Thousands of jobs will be created, particularly for qualified agricultural professionals and skilled labourers. Enhanced Productivity: Agricultural output will rise significantly due to continuous farming and processing activities.

Reduced Losses: The efficient processing and storage of agricultural products will lead to a significant reduction in post-harvest losses. Economic Growth: Both rural and urban areas will experience a boost in economic activities and income generation.

Market Stability: A steady supply of agricultural products will stabilize prices and improve food security. Reduced Food Inflation: With a consistent supply of goods, food inflation will be curbed, easing the financial burden on consumers. Skill Retention: The expansion of local opportunities in the agricultural sector will reduce brain drain, keeping skilled individuals within the country.

Agriculture, Agro-Processing, and Agribusiness Sector Job Creation Estimated Jobs Created from 24-Hour Operations:

• Farm Workers: Planting and harvesting staff, irrigation and maintenance workers. • Processing Plant Workers: Machine operators, quality control staff, packaging, and distribution personnel.

• Logistics and Supply Chain: Transport drivers, warehouse operators, inventory managers.

Jobs Created from Economic Growth:

• Agribusiness Management: Agronomists, farm managers, supply chain managers. • Research and Development: Agricultural scientists, food technologists, soil scientists.

• Support Services: Financial analysts specializing in agribusiness, marketing and sales professionals, agricultural extension officers.

In conclusion, transitioning to a 24-hour economy in the agriculture, agro-processing, and agribusiness sectors presents a unique opportunity for Ghana to boost productivity, create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and stabilize food prices. With the right infrastructure, policies, and stakeholder engagement, this initiative can transform the agricultural landscape, ensuring food security and driving economic growth across the nation.