The services sector expanded by 6.4 percent in July 2025, contributing 2.6 percentage points to overall monthly growth of 4.5%, according to the Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG).
The sector was the main contributor to July 2025 growth surpassing Agriculture which contributed 1.7 percentage points and Industry which contributed 0.04 percentage points.
What is more particular are the drivers of this growth, which include wholesale and retail trade, information and communication technology (ICT), and transport and storage.
Recent trends show that transport and logistics have benefited from rising urbanization, increasing trade flows, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms.
Investment in fulfillment centers and logistics infrastructure is improving last-mile delivery and warehousing across the country. This growth is creating employment opportunities for drivers, warehouse staff, and logistics coordinators, highlighting the sector’s role as a labor-intensive engine of urban employment.
Digital services are expanding alongside increased mobile technology adoption, fintech solutions, and internet penetration. The sector provides employment in areas such as software development, digital marketing, IT support, and telecommunications, creating opportunities for a growing pool of skilled workers.
Retail trade continues to absorb large numbers of workers, from shop assistants to inventory managers and customer service personnel, fueled by both traditional retail and e-commerce growth. The sector remains a vital labor-intensive contributor to economic activity.
By contrast, industry recorded only 0.1 percent growth, held back by declines in petroleum and gas activity, despite gains in gold production, while agriculture grew 8 percent, driven by crop production and fisheries.
The government has signaled that job creation will be a central pillar of the 2026 Budget, even as it emphasizes fiscal discipline to protect economic stability and maintain the gains achieved under the IMF programme.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem highlighted the dual focus, saying: “Our focus is to maintain fiscal stability while creating more jobs for Ghanaians. We want to ensure that the gains made under the IMF programme are protected and translated into real improvements in the lives of our citizens.”
The data from the MIEG paints a clear picture of where Ghana’s fastest-growing employment opportunities are emerging: transport, logistics, digital services, and retail trade. These sectors are labor-intensive, expanding rapidly, and capable of absorbing a significant portion of the workforce, particularly in urban areas.
By targeting support, incentives, and training programs toward these high-growth sectors, Ghana can translate economic expansion into real employment gains, ensuring that fiscal discipline goes hand in hand with inclusive job creation.
The figures point to clear opportunities, but targeted efforts are essential to transform sector growth into real jobs, particularly benefiting young people and urban workers.
