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Ghana’s construction sector is growing, led by the development of affordable housing and critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports, hospitals and schools. It has also been bolstered by a steadily growing economy, which is expected to continue at a GDP growth rate of 6.8% in 2020. Improvements in land registration and permit systems reflect the authorities’ efforts to address structural challenges. There is significant potential in Ghana’s real estate sector as the government implements initiatives aimed at increasing the affordable housing stock and establishing a robust mortgage market. After continued expansion in excess of 3% per year in real terms between 2015 and 2017, a slowdown in 2018 reflected weaker demand across the residential, commercial and retail segments, according to a 2019 report from the Ghana Statistical Service. This chapter also contains an interview with Nana Kwame Bediako, CEO, Kwarleyz Group.

Significant spending increases in Ghana have seen the country take vital steps to reduce the transport infrastructure backlog and establish itself as a regional logistics centre for West Africa. Several large-scale projects are under way to support industrial development through more efficient connectivity, while recent expansion and modernisation works at various airports and seaports are aimed at increasing trade and trans-shipment. The construction of road and rail infrastructure projects is also supporting this vision by opening new corridors to Ghana’s landlocked neighbours and developing strategic routes that support local industries. Significant progress has been made on improving infrastructure and establishing Ghana as a regional logistics and transport centre. The country aims to cement its position by improving roads and expanding its rail infrastructure, enhancing connectivity with its landlocked neighbours. This chapter contains interviews with Mohamed Samara, CEO, Meridian Port Services; and Richard Dombo, CEO, Ghana Railways Development Authority.

Ghana has the second-highest data penetration rate in sub-Saharan Africa, the fastest-growing mobile money market on the continent and a burgeoning tech start-up scene. ICT therefore represents one of the most dynamic areas of its economy. Recognising the sector’s potential, the government has stepped up efforts to stimulate market activity and pave the way for the rollout of 4G and 5G technology. Nevertheless, taxes and spectrum costs have dampened growth and emerging tech firms continue to struggle for financing. The rapid expansion of mobile data penetration and mobile money platforms has had a transformative effect on the economy, boosting financial inclusion and providing companies with new avenues to develop and market their products. These platforms have also opened up new opportunities for start-ups. This chapter also contains a roundtable with Daniel Asare Kyei, CEO, Esoko; Curtis Vanderpuije, CEO, ExpressPay; Daniel Marfo, General Manager, Zipline Ghana.

Ghana’s industrial sector has emerged as a significant driver of growth in recent years as the country leverages its abundant natural resources to diversify the economy and attract investment. Industrial development and import substitution underscore major projects and initiatives throughout the sector, and the government has simultaneously implemented business reforms and fiscal measures in order to tackle structural challenges and improve investor confidence. Rising living standards, falling unemployment rates and lower inflation point to a turnaround in consumer demand in Ghana in the years ahead. After a slowdown in the uptake of retail space, renewed consumer confidence and increasing purchasing power could provide renewed impetus for the growth of the retail sector. This chapter also contains interviews with Kojo Aduhene, CEO, LMI Holdings; and Ramesh Sadhwani, Joint Managing Director, Melcom Group.

Over the last decade the relative size of the agriculture sector in Ghana has more than halved, amounting to 15.3% of nominal GDP as of the second quarter of 2019, down from 31.8% in 2009. Nonetheless, the sector retains its strategic importance as a major employer, comprising 44.7% of the labour force. Varying estimates put the percentage of households owning or operating a farm at between 44.1% and 51.5%, amounting to approximately 7.3m individuals. Given agriculture’s crucial role in providing jobs for Ghana’s growing population, the government has embarked on significant modernisation efforts since 2017, chief among them the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. This was followed in 2018 by the umbrella programme Investing for Food and Jobs, which is focused on agriculture, food security and rural development. his chapter also contains interviews with Kadri Alfah, CEO, Ghana Commodity Exchange; and Edmund Poku, Managing Director, Niche Cocoa.

Rising commodity prices and vast untapped reserves have boosted interest in Ghana’s mining sector. As production continues along an upward trajectory, government policy aims to leverage the mineral wealth by building up refining capacity, introducing new legal frameworks, and attracting private sector partners to support the development of infrastructure and local industry. Mining has grown steadily, driven by stable commodity prices and increased global demand. As output improves, the government looks set to continue attracting private sector partners to build refining capacity for the large bauxite and gold reserves. New legal frameworks and institutions have been set in motion to support the sector and tighter government regulations are boosting revenue. Such initiatives are creating an attractive investment environment, promoting long-term growth and supporting the establishment of value-added industries. This chapter also contains interviews with Sulemanu Koney, CEO, Ghana Chamber of Mines; and Nick Holland, CEO and Executive Director, Gold Fields.