Ghana

A strong tradition of press freedom across all segments characterises the Ghanaian media sector. However, few providers have a truly national reach, with most focusing on a small market or a share of the largest cities. Radio remains a key outlet; its ability to reach rural regions makes it attractive, and it is a sought-after feature for mobile phone buyers. With Ghana reaching mobile...

After cocoa exports and gold mining, tourism is the top foreign currency earner in Ghana’s economy, generating some $694m of foreign currency for the government in 2012. The industry is vital to overall economic growth and is expected to contribute 5.4% of GDP by 2023, growing at a rate of 4.5% between 2013 and 2023. The new 15-year National Tourism Development Plan, which runs from 2013 to 2027...

The continuing implementation of expansive reforms, including the Single Spine Salary Structure and updates to the National Health Insurance Scheme aimed at providing universal health care, made 2012 a turbulent year for Ghana’s health sector. The Ministry of Health has seen its budget swell as the government attempts to address deficiencies in the sector, and remains committed to delivering...

Given the country’s growing consumer population, limited product penetration and stable business environment within ECOWAS, the manufacturing sector in Ghana has impressive potential. However, like many countries in the region, commodities have taken precedence over industrial growth. As a result, manufacturing contributed 6.9% to GDP in 2012, a significant drop from 10.2% in 2006. Imports of...

Ghana has been successful in increasing penetration beyond the regional average. Having reached 100% by the end of 2012, penetration figures touched 102.7% as of February 2013 – figures that are well above the 53% norm for African countries and even the developing world average of 89%. However, average revenue per user is beginning to fall as penetration rises, prompting operators to increasingly...

The influx of capital and burst of growth that followed Ghana’s discovery of oil in 2007 led to a construction boom in 2011-12. Sourcing materials, however, has been problematic and in 2012 the World Bank reported that Ghana needs to spend $26bn on infrastructure, including basic road, housing and utilities upgrades, to support economic growth. As Ghana continues to channel new-found oil revenues...