The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced plans for Ghana’s Parliament to adopt a shift system as part of the wider 24-Hour Economy initiative.
This landmark policy direction is intended to ease the burden on parliamentary staff, increase efficiency in the legislative process, and create more employment opportunities within the public sector.
Supporting the 24-Hour Economy Vision
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Speaker Bagbin described the 24-Hour Economy policy as “a bold and timely step toward national transformation.” He underscored the urgency of reforming working structures to match the evolving economic landscape and global best practices.
“We cannot continue to operate a 9-to-5 system in a 21st-century world where demand for services is around the clock. The shift system will help reduce the pressure on our staff and also open the door for more jobs,” the Speaker emphasized.
Job Creation and Institutional Reforms
The proposed parliamentary shift system aligns with the government’s broader agenda to implement the 24-Hour Economy across key public and private sectors. The policy, first proposed by President John Mahama during the 2024 election campaign, aims to stimulate economic growth, create thousands of new jobs, and improve productivity across all sectors by ensuring round-the-clock service delivery.
Speaker Bagbin stated that Parliament will serve as a model institution for this policy rollout, by demonstrating that shift-based work schedules can operate effectively even in traditionally rigid government institutions.
Stakeholder Consultations Underway
Preparatory discussions are reportedly ongoing between the Parliamentary Service Board, labour unions, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of the proposed shift system without compromising productivity or parliamentary oversight.
More details on timelines, staff recruitment, and operational adjustments are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
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