Ghana’s industrial growth could be significantly accelerated through targeted investments in infrastructure, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). In its latest quarterly GDP report, the national statistics body urged policymakers to scale up what it termed a “Big Push” in power, roads, and digital systems to create the necessary foundation for private sector expansion.
This call comes at a time when the industrial sector posted a modest growth of 3.4% in the first quarter of 2025, well below potential given Ghana’s ambitions under the Ghana CARES programme and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Accelerating the Big Push investments in power, roads, and digital infrastructure could support private sector expansion and enhance regional competitiveness, thereby unlocking industrial growth beyond the 3.4% growth,” the GSS stated in its economic commentary.
Oil & Gas Weakness Undermines Broader Growth
One of the major drags on industrial performance was the sharp contraction in the Oil and Gas sector, which declined by 22.1% year-on-year. The slump not only pulled down overall industry figures but also exposed the vulnerability of Ghana’s economy to global energy market fluctuations.
In contrast, Mining and Quarrying grew by a modest 1.4%, underscoring a missed opportunity for Ghana to leverage its mineral wealth more effectively in the face of oil price volatility.
Infrastructure as a Growth Multiplier
The GSS’s infrastructure push reflects a broader consensus among economists and development planners: that without reliable power, efficient road networks, and widespread digital connectivity, industrialisation will remain slow and uneven.
Improving infrastructure would lower production and distribution costs for firms, enhance logistics for exports, and create fertile ground for job creation across the country, particularly in manufacturing, agro-processing, and ICT-driven sectors.
With the right infrastructure in place, the country could unlock the full potential of its private sector and reposition itself as a competitive regional hub.
