Economic Activities of Ghana in the 2021 PHC

1.1 With an estimated population of roughly 31 million, Ghana’s market remains relatively advanced
compared to others in Africa, despite the significant dip in economic growth recorded in recent years,
mainly because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid urbanization and gains in economic
growth continue to stimulate an emerging middle class who embrace Western brands, products, and
lifestyles. Ghana Statistical Service reported that Ghana’s GDP grew by 5.4 percent in 2021. (Source:
https://www.trade.gov).

1. Agriculture: Agriculture is a major economic activity in Ghana, employing a significant

portion of the population. The country is known to produce crops such as cocoa, oil palm,
maize, yam, rice, and various fruits and vegetables.
However, Ghana’s primary sector accounts for 19% of the GDP and employs 34% of the
workforce. It is also an important source of income for many households (GSS 2017). Ghana
is the second most important producer and exporter of cocoa in the world after Ivory Coast.
(source: https://journalofeconomicstructures.springeropen.com/).
Ghana’s Agricultural and Related Imports for 2017-2021 (in millions of
dollars)
Source of
Imports 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

120.40 101.43 135.69 105.58 156.60

U.S (5.6%) (4.7%) (6.3%) (4.2%) (8.3)

World 2,144.82 2,172.18 2,148.66 2,503.87 1,896.62

Source: Trade Data Monitor LLC

2. Mining: Ghana is rich in mineral resources, particularly gold, which makes mining a vital
economic activity. Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer; it overtook South Africa in 2019
with 4.8 million ounces in output.

Others are:
 Manufacturing
 Services
 Construction
 Financial Services