Bolgatanga events ban beyond 8pm will make government unpopular – Gabriel Agambila

Development advocate Gabriel Agambila has criticised the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly’s decision to restrict certain social events from running beyond 8:00 p.m., arguing that the measure contradicts the broader objectives of the government’s 24-hour economy policy.

Mr Agambila said the restriction, if strictly enforced, could undermine economic activities within the municipality and create public dissatisfaction with the government, particularly at a time when the administration is encouraging businesses and economic activities to operate beyond the conventional daytime hours.

His comments follow a decision by the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly to impose an 8:00 p.m. deadline on passing-out ceremonies, graduation ceremonies and launching events held within the municipality.

According to the Assembly’s Presiding Member, Lambert Akunzebe, the restriction forms part of revised municipal bylaws aimed at maintaining public order and addressing concerns associated with events that continue late into the night.

The Assembly says organisers and venue owners who breach the regulation could face penalties, while repeat offenders could be prosecuted. The revised bylaws have reportedly been gazetted and are expected to be distributed to institutions including the Ghana Police Service, courts, the National Commission for Civic Education and traditional authorities to facilitate enforcement.

However, Mr Agambila believes the restriction sends the wrong signal at a time when the government is promoting an economy designed to function around the clock.

He argued that events and entertainment-related activities are part of the local economy, providing income for event organisers, musicians, sound engineers, decorators, caterers, security personnel, transport operators, food vendors and other businesses.

He therefore cautioned that restricting such activities to 8:00 p.m. could negatively affect people whose livelihoods depend on evening and night-time economic activities.

“The government is talking about a 24-hour economy, but if people cannot organise legitimate events beyond 8:00 p.m., what message are we sending to the people?” Mr Agambila questioned.

Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy is intended to create an enabling environment for businesses and public institutions to operate around the clock, with the policy framework envisaging three eight-hour shifts. It is aimed at boosting productivity, creating employment and expanding economic opportunities.

The policy has since moved from a campaign proposal to an official government programme. President John Dramani Mahama assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill in February 2026, giving legal backing to the implementation of the initiative.

Government has subsequently promoted 24-hour markets and other economic infrastructure as part of efforts to stimulate commercial activity beyond traditional working hours. President Mahama has said the initiative is intended to create jobs, increase productivity and ensure that economic activity continues around the clock.

Mr Agambila said while maintaining public order and protecting residents from excessive noise and other disturbances were legitimate responsibilities of the Municipal Assembly, the solution should not necessarily be a blanket 8:00 p.m. deadline.

He called for dialogue between the Assembly, event organisers, traditional authorities, security agencies, residents and other stakeholders to develop regulations that balance public safety with economic activity.

According to him, mechanisms such as proper event permits, designated venues, noise-control measures, security arrangements and clear closing times could be considered instead of an outright restriction that could affect businesses and employment.

He further warned that the policy could have political consequences for the government if residents perceive local government regulations as being inconsistent with the administration’s flagship economic agenda.

Mr Agambila maintained that the government must ensure that policies implemented at the local level complement, rather than undermine, its national economic objectives.

He urged the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly to reconsider the restriction and engage stakeholders to find a more balanced approach that protects public order while allowing legitimate economic and social activities to thrive