Ghana Economy

Ghana’s economy is expected to see robust growth this year, at around 8.5%, but so too will public spending. The 20% increase in government expenditures should help sustain social services and infrastructure investment, and underwrite activity in the energy, agriculture and construction sectors. However, there are concerns the country may not be pursuing fiscal consolidation aggressively enough, and 2013 will see a wide deficit and rising debt.

With the presidential elections largely concluded, save a few outstanding legal challenges, 2012 proved to be a year in which Ghana gave a comparatively strong economic performance, bolstered by stable commodity prices, continued oil production and a sizable capital campaign in both the gas and electricity sectors. However, structural weaknesses will need to be addressed for the country to maintain its upward trajectory.

Although Ghana has an unusually high loans-to-deposits ratio and household lending rates in excess of 20%, the banking sector has been enjoying strong growth of late, on the back of the country’s macroeconomic success. Due in part to a mix of both rising capital inflows and a large unbanked population, the potential for long-term profitability, both in corporate and in retail, continues to attract international attention and investment.

A smooth transition from former President John Atta Mills, who unexpectedly passed away last month, to new President John Dramani Mahama will help reassure investors about the continued steady performance of the country’s economy, but mild pressure from short-term risks may necessitate some adept changes to monetary and fiscal policy.

The government is taking a number of measures to strengthen Ghana’s business environment in a bid to reinforce growth as the country struggles with a rising import bill due to a depreciating cedi.

Moving into 2012 with the national economy in robust health and riding on the back of double-digit growth in 2011, Ghana’s prospects for 2012 are bright, though much needs to be done to reduce unemployment and spread the benefits of economic expansion to ensure its sustainability.