Ghana’s Economic Growth Declines to 2.9%. Lowest tap Since 2021.

Ghana’s economy has been hit hard by the pandemic and the resulting restrictions on businesses and individuals. The country was already facing a $7.5 billion debt reverse prior to the crisis, leaving it unable to access international credit. This has been compounded by the fall in oil prices, which has reduced the country’s export earnings. The weak economic performance in the third quarter of 2021 is a result of the negative effects of the pandemic on the economy. The manufacturing sector shrank by 7.4%, and the agricultural sector, which accounts for about 22% of GDP, was the only sector to register positive growth. The country also experienced a significant contraction in services, which accounts for about 59% of GDP. This was due to the reduced activity in the hospitality and tourism sectors, as well as the restrictions on public gatherings and movement. The government has responded to the economic crisis by implementing fiscal stimulus packages and providing relief to businesses. This includes the issuance of bonds to finance fiscal deficits, the reduction of taxes and customs duties, and the provision of targeted relief to businesses. These measures have helped to cushion the impact of the crisis, but the long-term effects are still unclear. The country defaulted on most of its external debt this week and is negotiating a $3 billion staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditioned on comprehensive debt restructuring. The government has already agreed to an austerity package that is designed to reduce the budget deficit and increase public investment. The currency had lost almost 59% of its value against the dollar this year, but has rebounded significantly after debt restructuring announcements. However, the country’s long-term economic prospects remain uncertain. The IMF agreement is likely to impose additional austerity measures, which may further dampen economic growth. The government will also need to implement structural reforms in order to create an environment conducive to private investment and job creation and negotiate.