Ghana: economy

What is Ghana's GDP growth rate?

Ghana's real GDP grew 6.0% year on year in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). Growth was 6.6% in the same quarter of 2025. Non-oil GDP grew 5.4%, against 8.5% a year earlier. Nominal GDP in the quarter was GH₵372.1 billion, up from GH₵334.1 billion. The GSS GDP highlights page gives annual growth for 2025 as 6.0%.

Quarterly growth compares a quarter with the same quarter a year earlier. Non-oil GDP leaves out crude oil and gas output, which can swing with production at the offshore fields. The Bank of Ghana says the second-quarter growth was driven mainly by services and industry.

Official sources: Ghana Statistical Service: 2026 second quarter GDP infographic · Ghana Statistical Service: GDP highlights · Bank of Ghana: MPC press release, 24 September 2026

Which sectors drive Ghana's economy?

Services made up 45.9% of Ghana's GDP at basic prices in the second quarter of 2026, industry 33.1% and agriculture 21.0%, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. Services grew fastest, at 8.0% year on year, against 4.3% for industry and 3.9% for agriculture. A year earlier agriculture's share was 22.3%.

The shares use current prices, so they move with relative prices as well as output. Industry includes mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, construction and utilities. The Bank of Ghana's Composite Index of Economic Activity, a monthly indicator, grew 14.9% in July 2026, the Bank of Ghana says.

Official sources: Ghana Statistical Service: 2026 second quarter GDP infographic · Bank of Ghana: MPC press release, 24 September 2026

What is Ghana's trade balance?

Ghana recorded a trade surplus of US$8.85 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up from US$6.69 billion in the same period of 2025, according to the Bank of Ghana. Total exports were US$22.4 billion and imports US$13.58 billion. Imports rose 20.8%, mainly because of higher oil and gas imports for domestic refining.

The trade balance is exports of goods minus imports of goods. The Ghana Statistical Service publishes detailed trade by product and partner in its merchandise trade statistics.

Official sources: Bank of Ghana: MPC press release, 24 September 2026 · Ghana Statistical Service: press releases

What are Ghana's main exports?

Gold, cocoa and crude oil drove Ghana's exports of US$22.4 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up from US$17.9 billion in the same period of 2025, according to the Bank of Ghana's September 2026 MPC press release. The Bank says improved gold export receipts supported its foreign reserves.

The three commodities make up most of Ghana's export earnings, so changes in world gold and cocoa prices have a large effect on the total. The Ghana Statistical Service released a review of two decades of merchandise trade, 2004 to 2025, in August 2026, listed on its press releases page.

Official sources: Bank of Ghana: MPC press release, 24 September 2026 · Ghana Statistical Service: press releases

How large are Ghana's foreign reserves?

Ghana's gross international reserves were US$12.0 billion on 22 September 2026, equal to 4.5 months of import cover, according to the Bank of Ghana. The Bank says improved gold export receipts supported the reserves despite higher external payments. At end-June 2026 reserves covered 5.0 months of imports, the Ministry of Finance's 2027 Fiscal Strategy Document says, against a minimum target of 3 months.

Import cover is the number of months of imports the reserves could pay for. It falls when imports rise faster than reserves, as happened in 2026 with higher oil import bills. At its September meeting the Bank kept the Monetary Policy Rate at 14.0%.

Official sources: Bank of Ghana: MPC press release, 24 September 2026 · Ministry of Finance: 2027 Fiscal Strategy Document

How fast is Ghana's economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Ghana was 6.0% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.5% (2020) to 14.0% (2011). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 4.6%; Ghana is 12th highest of 46. Worldwide: 31st of 180.

What is Ghana's GDP per person?

The World Bank puts GDP per person in Ghana at $3,257 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $1,351; Ghana is 11th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 129th of 180.

How does Ghana's income per person compare after prices?

In 2025, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Ghana was $8,610 in international dollars, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 12th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is $4,425 in international dollars. World rank, highest first: 130th of 179.

What share of Ghana's economy is exports?

35.1% of GDP: that is exports of goods and services in Ghana for 2024, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at 40.4% of GDP; its low point was 2007, at 24.5% of GDP. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 27.4% of GDP, and Ghana placed 14th highest of 42. World rank, highest first: 81st of 162.

What is Ghana's current account balance?

In 2025, the current account balance in Ghana was 8.2% of GDP, according to the IMF. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -3.6% of GDP, and Ghana placed 1st highest of 20. Worldwide: 11th of 132.

How much foreign investment does Ghana receive?

According to the IMF, net inflows of foreign direct investment in Ghana was 1.7% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2008, at 9.5% of GDP; its low point was 2005, at 1.3% of GDP. It is 30th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.0% of GDP. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 105th highest.