By Ishmael Junourgh 
Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has urged Carmensita Manufacturing Company to explore the possibility of operating a 24-hour production system, as part of efforts to expand manufacturing, create more jobs and accelerate Ghana’s economic growth.
The Minister made the call during an engagement with the management of Carmensita Manufacturing Company, where he met the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Najib Fakih, and his team to discuss the company’s operations, challenges and prospects for expansion.
Hon. Pelpuo said the transition towards a 24-hour economy should not be viewed merely as a policy slogan, but as an opportunity for productive businesses to increase output, create additional employment opportunities and contribute more significantly to national development.
He therefore encouraged Carmensita Manufacturing Company to consider extending its production operations to 24 hours, particularly as the government intensifies efforts to promote job creation and strengthen Ghana’s productive economy.
“I encouraged them to look at the possibility of operating 24 hours, particularly as we work to create more jobs and grow Ghana’s economy,” the Minister said.
According to him, increased production hours could enable local manufacturers to maximise their existing investments, respond to growing market demand and provide more opportunities for Ghanaians to secure decent jobs.
The Minister also expressed satisfaction with Carmensita’s commitment to local manufacturing, particularly its production of furniture in Ghana.
He said the company’s operations demonstrated the importance of supporting Ghanaian-based businesses to expand their production capacity and deepen the country’s industrial base.
“I was happy to see the furniture being produced locally and the commitment of the company to manufacturing in Ghana. We need more businesses doing this, and we must continue to find ways to support them to grow,” he noted.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for the Minister to learn about the challenges confronting the company and discuss possible avenues through which such businesses can be supported to scale up operations.
Hon. Pelpuo commended Dr. Fakih and his management team for their commitment to manufacturing in Ghana and expressed appreciation for the warm reception and constructive discussions.
The Minister’s call comes as the government continues to promote policies aimed at expanding economic activity, increasing productivity and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
For the Labour and Jobs Ministry, the expansion of productive enterprises and the adoption of longer operating hours are critical components of efforts to translate economic growth into real employment opportunities for Ghana’s growing working population. The engagement with Carmensita Manufacturing Company therefore underscores the government’s broader push to bring the private sector into the centre of Ghana’s job-creation agenda, with the 24-hour economy emerging as a key strategy for unlocking greater productive capacity and employment.
Pascal Gyireh