Ghana’s economy recorded a growth rate of 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued resilience and broad-based expansion across key sectors of the economy.
The growth rate, released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), represents a slight increase from the 6.2 percent recorded during the same period in 2025.
Presenting the first-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates, Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, said the performance was largely driven by strong growth in the services and industrial sectors.
He noted that non-oil GDP grew by 6.3 percent, underscoring the contribution of economic activities beyond the petroleum sector and indicating a more diversified growth pattern.
According to Dr. Iddrisu, the services sector remained the largest contributor to economic growth, recording an expansion of 7.1 percent during the review period.
The sector’s performance is supported by significant growth in information and communication, which expanded by 25.2 percent, transport and storage at 13 percent, and trade activities, which grew by seven percent.
“The services sector continues to demonstrate strong momentum, particularly in digital and communication-related activities, which are increasingly becoming important drivers of economic growth,” he said.
The industrial sector also posted a strong performance, growing by 6.9 percent compared to 4.1 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
Growth in the sector was propelled by mining and quarrying activities, which expanded by 10.7 percent, alongside a recovery in oil and gas production that recorded seven percent growth.
The improved industrial output comes amid efforts to strengthen Ghana’s extractive industries and increase value creation within the sector.
Agriculture, a major employer and contributor to livelihoods across the country, grew by four percent during the period.
However, the sector’s overall performance was moderated by a sharp contraction of 18.5 percent in the fishing sub-sector, highlighting persistent challenges facing the industry.
Analysts say the decline in fisheries production may require targeted interventions to improve sustainability, productivity and incomes within coastal communities.
On a quarter-on-quarter basis, seasonally adjusted GDP grew by 1.6 percent, signalling sustained economic momentum and stability in productive activities.
Dr. Iddrisu also pointed to positive trends in the Composite Index of Economic Activity (CIEA), which remained in growth territory throughout the quarter.
The index recorded growth rates of 6.1 per cent in January, 7.7 percent in February and 5.4 percent in March, indicating consistent economic activity across the three-month period.
He said the latest GDP figures demonstrate the economy’s capacity to maintain growth despite global uncertainties and domestic challenges.
Dr. Iddrisu stressed the importance of sustaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating infrastructure development, deepening digital transformation and promoting private sector-led growth to maintain the positive trajectory.
He also called for greater attention to sectors that continue to underperform, particularly fishing, accommodation and food services, and water and sewerage activities.
Economists say the first-quarter performance provides a positive signal for Ghana’s economic outlook in 2026, with strong growth in services and industry expected to support employment creation, investment and revenue generation.
