Agriculture emerged as Ghana’s strongest-performing sector in the third quarter of 2025, expanding by 8.6% and driving nearly a third of national output growth, according to new GDP estimates released by Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu.
Announcing the figures in Accra, Dr. Iddrisu said the sector’s performance was central to the country’s 5.5% real GDP growth recorded in the quarter, even as overall growth slowed compared with the same period last year.
“Agriculture grew strongly at 8.6% in quarter 3 of 2025, making it one of the biggest drivers of the 5.5% overall growth,” he said.
Fishing and crops power the rebound
The recovery was led by exceptional gains in fishing, which surged 23.1% after contracting 6.4% a year earlier. Fishing alone contributed 5.1 percentage points to the sector’s total impact on growth.
Crop production also expanded by 8.3%, making it the single largest contributor within agriculture as improved yields and production stability lifted output across major food and cash crops.
Forestry and logging posted modest growth of 0.8%, reversing last year’s 5.6% contraction, while cocoa moved back into positive territory with 1.9% growth, recovering from a steep decline in 2024.
Dr. Iddrisu described the sector’s overall performance as an important sign of resilience.
“Even with a modest share of the economy, agriculture’s contribution to growth was outsized, showing a sector that is recovering quickly and adding real weight to the national output,” he noted.
What it means for households
The GSS said the strong recovery in food production, particularly in crops and fishing, is expected to ease pressure on food prices and improve cost-of-living conditions for households.
Dr. Iddrisu encouraged families to take advantage of the easing food situation to rebuild savings, noting that “with crops and fishing improving, and with food prices easing, this is a moment households should actually be spending wisely and saving more.”
What it means for businesses
For the private sector, the GSS urged firms to direct investment toward high-growth segments of the economy.
“Our recommendation is to invest where growth is strongest,” the Statistician said, pointing to ICT, trade, transport, crops and manufacturing as areas driving more than 80% of overall GDP growth.
The agriculture sector’s renewed momentum, he added, presents a significant opportunity for agribusinesses, food processors, logistics companies and input suppliers to scale production and expand market share.
Context within the wider economy
Overall, nominal GDP rose to GH¢339.4 billion in Q3, up from GH¢293.1 billion last year, a 15.8% increase reflecting both higher output and price changes. Real non-oil GDP grew 6.8%, underscoring strong activity outside the petroleum sector.
The services sector remained the largest contributor to growth, expanding 7.6% and accounting for 59.5% of overall GDP expansion. Industry recorded a marginal 0.8% rise, weighed down by an 18.2% contraction in oil and gas.
A consistent performance across the year
When the first three quarters of 2025 are combined, agriculture grew 7.4%, contributing 24.6% to Ghana’s total growth of 6.1% over the nine-month period.
The sector, which accounts for 25.6% of the economy, remains a “steady anchor” of national output, the GSS said, especially as industry continues to face pressure.
The GSS said the performance of crops and fishing will remain critical for price stability, while sustained investment in agricultural value chains could strengthen Ghana’s growth outlook heading into 2026.
Dr. Iddrisu reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to providing timely and credible data to guide decision-making, noting that accurate reporting from institutions and businesses is essential for capturing the true state of the economy.
