Policy Analyst Peter Terkper has urged the government to place agriculture at the centre of its newly unveiled 24-Hour Economy initiative, warning that any attempt to overlook the sector could undermine the policy’s long-term impact.
Speaking to ABC News GH on Wednesday, July 2, shortly after the launch of the NDC’s flagship programme, Terkper insisted, “Agriculture value chain should be the focus. We have to focus more on this—funding, support…”Terkper argued that the agriculture sector, which already operates on early and extended hours, is naturally aligned with the 24-hour model.
“Government should prioritize that area; the economy will boom both day and night,” he said, pointing to the potential for increased food production, agro-processing, and rural employment under a well-supported shift-based structure.
He noted that modernising agriculture and extending operational hours through mechanisation and logistics investment would significantly uplift rural economies.
He further emphasized that a strong agricultural backbone would complement other sectors like manufacturing and retail within the 24-hour framework.
Terkper’s remarks come as the government outlines key sub-programmes under the policy—such as Grow24, Make24, and Connect24—targeting various sectors.
However, he cautioned that meaningful results will only be achieved if agriculture is not just included, but actively prioritized, in planning and resource allocation.
