Ghana's economy recorded a growth rate of 6.4 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026. This figure marks a slight increase from the 6.2 percent growth observed in Q1 2025.
This growth was largely propelled by robust performances in the Services and Industry sectors. The Services sector expanded by 7.1 percent, contributing significantly to the overall economic outcome. This sector's strength came from Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which grew by 25.2 percent, and Transport and Storage, up by 13.0 percent. Trade also supported this growth, expanding by 9.0 percent.
The current economic expansion fits into Ghana's broader narrative of sustained recovery. The non-oil economy grew by 6.3 percent, indicating resilience beyond just petroleum production. This reflects ongoing efforts to diversify the economy and build strength in other key areas. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) consistently highlights this progress.
The Ghana Statistical Service released these latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates. The GSS also reported that on a seasonally adjusted basis, real GDP increased by 1.6 percent quarter-on-quarter. This signals ongoing economic momentum for the country.
Going forward, policymakers will focus on sustaining this broad-based economic growth. They will monitor the performance of key sectors to ensure continued momentum. Businesses and investors will watch for sustained growth in ICT and Mining. They will also consider potential interventions for struggling sub-sectors like Fishing, which saw an 18.5 percent decline.
The Industry sector also demonstrated strong gains, accelerating to 6.9 percent growth. This was an improvement from 4.1 percent in the first quarter of 2025. Mining and Quarrying led this growth with a 10.7 percent expansion. The Oil and Gas sector also contributed, recovering to show 7.0 percent growth. This indicates a positive trend in Ghana's extractive industries.
The Agriculture sector grew by 4.0 percent, supported by Forestry and Logging, up by 9.0 percent, and Crop Production, which grew by 4.7 percent. However, the Fishing sub-sector faced challenges, contracting sharply by 18.5 percent. This decline suggests specific issues within the fisheries industry that may require targeted attention.
The Monthly Index of Economic Growth (MIEG) recorded growth rates of 6.1 percent in January, 7.7 percent in February, and 5.4 percent in March. These monthly indicators further underline the continuous expansion across the entire quarter. The consistent positive figures from the GSS suggest that Ghana’s economic recovery efforts are yielding positive results.
Information and Communication, Transport and Storage, and Mining and Quarrying were among the fastest-growing sub-sectors. Other strong performers included Trade and Repair of Vehicles, and Forestry and Logging. Conversely, Fishing, Accommodation and Food Services, and Water and Sewerage were the weakest-performing sub-sectors in Q1 2026.