The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, says the One-District-One-Factory (1D1F) Programme, a flagship initiative of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, has been cancelled.
“Mr. Speaker, I want to draw the House’s attention to the fact that as of now, there is no policy as 1D1F,” she said on Tuesday July 9, 2025 on the Floor of Parliament.
The Minister explained that the ministry was now focusing on agro-processing parks under the 24-hour economy policy, which aimed to make Ghana’s economy vibrant around the clock.
“Mr. Speaker, we are doing agro-parks, which seek to be a great game changer, especially in the agro-processing zones… to produce around the clock for import substitution, export, foreign exchange, and to create jobs for our teeming youth.”
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare made the remarks when she answered an urgent question by Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu.
The MP, also the Minority Leader, asked the Minister about specific incentives and investment promotion packages being deployed to attract private sector investment, given the cancellation of the 1D1F.
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The Minister noted that the policy for the 24-hour economy, which included investment packages, was under review and would be presented to Parliament when completed.
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When asked about transitional measures following the cancellation of 1D1F, the Minister said the ministry was in talks with stakeholders and looking at the fallout from the cancellation.
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However, she attributed the cancellation to the previous administration, stating: “Since I did not cancel the policy, I would not be in a position to give reasons why remedial measures were not given before the cancellation,” she said.
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The 24-hour economy policy is being positioned as the centrepiece of the NDC’s economic revival strategy. It aims to fix both demand and supply issues in the economy. But success depends on execution. The government has promised to pass new legislation to establish a 24-Hour Economy Authority, chaired by the president.
Some critics have argued that a 24-hour economy, while potentially beneficial, also presents several disadvantages. These include increased costs for businesses, potential negative impacts on worker health and well-being, and social disruptions. Furthermore, challenges related to security, infrastructure limitations, and ensuring sufficient demand for round-the-clock operations need to be addressed.
However, countries like the United States, China, and the United Kingdom have successfully implemented 24-hour economic models, significantly boosting their GDP, trade, and employment rates.
Below is a copy of the John Mahama led NDC’s proposed 24 Hour Economy Strategy prior to the 2024 elections.
