Some Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the Greater Accra Region have expressed optimism about business growth and improved economic prospects in 2026, citing currency stability, tax reliefs and lower fuel prices recorded in the past year.
Mr William Obeng, a business dealer in car accessories said that the relative stability of the Ghanaian cedi against major international currencies in 2025 was a positive signal for the business community.
He said the removal of certain taxes, including the COVID-19 recovery levy, is expected to reduce operating costs and create a more favourable environment for SMEs to expand in 2026.
“Last year, the government did well in terms of cedi stability, and the abolition of some taxes like the COVID-19 recovery levy should help create a good climate for businesses to thrive this year,” he said.
According to him, sustaining the economic gains achieved in 2025 would be critical to maintaining confidence among small businesses and encouraging further investment within the Greater Accra Region, which remains the country’s main commercial hub.
Mr Obeng also commended the government for reducing petroleum product prices, describing the move as a significant boost to businesses whose operations depend heavily on transportation and logistics.
“One of the New Year’s reliefs for businesses was the reduction in fuel prices. That is a major indicator that the economy is moving in the right direction,” he noted.
However, he expressed concern about recent increases in utility tariffs, warning that higher electricity and water costs could erode the gains made by SMEs.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced upward adjustments in utility tariffs, with electricity rising by 9.86 percent and water by 15.92 percent, effective January 1, 2026.
Mr Obeng said the increases would place additional pressure on small businesses and households, urging government to adopt stricter measures to keep utility tariffs affordable.
He stressed that moderating utility costs was essential to ensuring the sustainability and growth of SMEs in the Greater Accra Region.
