Tema: Ms Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, has committed to transforming Tema into the flagship city for Ghana's 24-Hour Economy policy.
According to Ghana News Agency, the policy aims to enhance productivity, create jobs, and improve service delivery across sectors. The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the TDC Company Limited in Tema have already launched 24-hour services, signaling the area's readiness for this transition.
In her first sessional address at the TMA's General Assembly meeting, Ms Bright emphasized collaboration with businesses, labor unions, security services, and utility providers to establish infrastructure supporting round-the-clock productivity. She envisions markets and businesses operating continuously, providing employment opportunities at all hours.
Addressing the government's 'Accelerated Export and Industrialisation Programme,' Ms Bright highlighted Tema's strategic location, industrial base, and export logistics capacity. She mentioned developing interventions to align with the national export drive, focusing on agro-processing, logistics, and light manufacturing, supported by capacity-building programs from GEPA, GIPC, and the Ghana Free Zones Authority.
Ms Bright further announced plans for Tema to serve as the final export hub for the Volta Economic Corridor initiative launched by the 24-Hour Plus Secretariat. This role would facilitate efficient product flow across the region, creating jobs and restoring industrial pride.
The 'Big Push Programme,' part of a $10 billion national infrastructure plan, will see Tema deliver key projects, including urban road upgrades, school infrastructure improvements, healthcare facilities like Tema General Hospital, and crucial social amenities such as sewage and drainage systems. These projects aim to stimulate local economic growth and improve quality of life.
Under the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP), a coordinator has been appointed at TMA, and technical assessments of inner-city roads in various communities and industrial zones have been completed. Implementation will commence following the procurement and disbursement phases.
Ms Bright also revealed plans to position Tema as a regional hub for digital training under the One Million Coders Programme national initiative. The renovated Golden Jubilee Youth Resource Centre will offer digital skills training, and computer and AI labs will be established in schools and youth centers through private sector partnerships.
The 'National Apprenticeship Programme,' in collaboration with youth organizations like YEA and NYA, will train more youth in technical and vocational education. This preparation is intended for self-employment or industrial placements within Tema's growing economy.
Moreover, the TMA is finalizing plans to support over 1,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and youth-led startups with training, registration assistance, and access to financing under the 'Ghana Enterprises Agency and Business Advisory Centre.' This initiative aims to empower local entrepreneurs to contribute actively to the 24-hour economy and access new export markets.
In terms of agricultural transformation, Ms Bright is responsible for coordinating the success of the government's flagship programs, including Feed Ghana and Edwumawura. Plans are underway to expand agricultural initiatives to reach more youth and vulnerable groups, with a focus on livestock and fisheries for food self-sufficiency and economic resilience.
Ms Bright concluded by stating that these national programs, combined with local initiatives, form a comprehensive transformation strategy addressing various aspects of urban development, from infrastructure to human capital and from sanitation to digital innovation.
