Ghana’s services sector is being powered by rapid growth in digital services and logistics rather than a broad rebound in household spending, advisory firm C-NERGY said, as the country increasingly relies on technology-driven industries to sustain economic expansion.
The services sector contributed GH¢181 billion to the economy in the first quarter of 2026, representing 45.7% of real GDP, while expanding 7.1% from a year earlier, according to C-NERGY’s latest economic outlook.
The sector remained the largest contributor to the economy and accounted for 51.6% of overall GDP growth during the quarter.
“The services growth is digital and logistical as opposed to a real consumer boom,” the report said.
Growth was led by the Information and Communication subsector, which expanded 25.2% year-on-year, supported by increased demand for mobile data, digital financial services, fintech innovation and continued investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
The strong ICT performance suggests Ghana’s economic growth is increasingly being driven by digital transformation rather than stronger consumer spending across the wider economy.
Not all parts of the services sector shared in the expansion. Accommodation and Food Service Activities contracted 13.6% during the quarter, reflecting weaker tourism activity, subdued discretionary spending and seasonal factors following the post-pandemic recovery, the report said.
Looking ahead, C-NERGY expects government policies to provide further support for the sector through investments in tourism, culture and the creative economy, alongside continued implementation of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
The report said ongoing investment in digital infrastructure, trade facilitation and AI-powered customs systems should further strengthen ICT, logistics, financial and professional services, reinforcing the sector’s position as Ghana’s main engine of economic growth.
It cautioned, however, that sustaining the momentum would require continued investment in broadband infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital skills, while reforms to improve the ease of doing business and revitalise the tourism and hospitality industries would be needed to broaden growth across the services sector.
