The Ghana economy grew 6.4% in the first quarter of 2026, marking a modest improvement over the 6.2 percent growth recorded during the same period in 2025, according to the latest figures released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The latest data points to continued resilience in economic activity despite ongoing efforts to consolidate macroeconomic gains and strengthen fiscal stability.
Presenting the figures, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu said growth remained broad-based across key sectors of the economy, with non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 6.3 percent during the period.
Services Sector Leads Economic Expansion
The services sector emerged as the strongest performer, recording growth of 7.1 percent and maintaining its position as the largest contributor to economic output.
According to Dr. Iddrisu, information and communication activities posted the highest growth rate of 25.2 percent, reflecting the increasing importance of digital services in the economy.
Transport and storage expanded by 13 percent, while trade grew by 7 percent, further supporting overall economic performance.
“The services sector remained the dominant driver of growth during the period,” he noted.
The strong performance highlights the growing role of technology, logistics, and commercial activities in Ghana’s economic transformation agenda.
Industry Records Strong Rebound
The industrial sector also posted impressive gains, growing by 6.9 percent compared to 4.1 percent during the first quarter of 2025.
Mining and quarrying remained a major growth engine, expanding by 10.7 percent, while oil and gas production rebounded with growth of 7 percent.
The improved industrial performance reflects stronger activity in Ghana’s extractive industries, which continue to play a critical role in export earnings and economic growth.
Meanwhile, the agriculture sector recorded growth of 4 percent. However, its overall performance was affected by a sharp contraction of 18.5 percent in the fishing sub-sector, highlighting ongoing challenges within parts of the agricultural economy.
Sustained Momentum Supports Outlook
Dr. Iddrisu disclosed that seasonally adjusted GDP grew by 1.6 percent on a quarter-on-quarter basis, indicating sustained momentum across the economy.
The Composite Index of Economic Activity also remained positive throughout the quarter, recording growth rates of 6.1 percent in January, 7.7 percent in February, and 5.4 percent in March.
While welcoming the strong performance, the Government Statistician stressed the need for continued macroeconomic stability, accelerated infrastructure investment, deeper digital transformation, and stronger private sector-led growth.
He also called for targeted interventions to address weaknesses in sectors such as fishing, accommodation and food services, as well as water and sewerage, to ensure more balanced and sustainable economic expansion.
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