Audio By Carbonatix
Ghana’s economy expanded by 5.1% in May 2026 compared to the same period last year, with the Services sector remaining the biggest driver of growth despite an overall moderation in economic activity.
The latest Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG) released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) showed that while the economy continued to grow, the pace slowed from the 6.6% recorded in May 2025.
Presenting the report, the Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, explained that the latest figures indicate the economy is still expanding, although at a gentler pace than a year earlier.
According to the report, the Services sector recorded the strongest performance, growing by 7.2% year-on-year in May 2026, only slightly below the 7.5% growth recorded a year earlier. The sector was largely supported by information and communication activities and remained the largest contributor to overall economic growth.
Industry also maintained steady momentum, expanding by 4.2% compared to 4.6% in May 2025. The growth in the sector was driven mainly by mining and quarrying, highlighting the continued resilience of Ghana's industrial activities.
Agriculture, however, experienced a significant slowdown. The sector grew by 3.6% in May 2026, down sharply from the 9.8% recorded in the corresponding period last year. GSS attributed the moderation partly to the exceptionally strong performance recorded in May 2025, with growth in 2026 led by crops and livestock.
The report further revealed that the services sector accounted for 51 percent of the country's overall economic growth in May, while industry contributed 23.8%, agriculture 21.2% and net taxes 4%.
The GSS cautioned that although growth remains positive, the economy is becoming increasingly dependent on the services sector.
It noted that while growth is holding up, it is narrowing around a single sector, increasing the economy's vulnerability should that sector weaken. It also warned that the slowdown in agriculture could have implications for food prices, rural incomes and export earnings, underscoring the need for targeted policy support.
The GSS urged government, the Bank of Ghana and businesses to incorporate the monthly growth indicator into policy and investment decisions, while recommending greater support for agriculture through improved access to inputs, irrigation and storage infrastructure.
The Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth is an experimental high-frequency measure that provides an early indication of economic performance ahead of the release of quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data. It is compiled using monthly data from the agriculture, industry and services sectors and follows international national accounts standards.
Latest Stories
-
Mahama allocates funds to complete 35 Agenda 111 hospitals this year
31 seconds -
We will finish abandoned E-Blocks to end waste of taxpayers’ money – Mahama
12 minutes -
Civil Service must drive investment, jobs under Reset Agenda – 24-Hour Economy Secretariat
24 minutes -
Deloitte West Africa to anchor Africa Oil Week 2026 in Accra, reinforcing commitment to Africa’s energy future
25 minutes -
Ghana’s economy expands 5.1% in May 2026; services drive expansion, agriculture slows
31 minutes -
Ghana won’t pay South Africa for repatriation of nationals – Foreign Affairs Ministry
35 minutes -
Mahama to provide Paga school with new bus, challenges students to achieve 100% WASSCE results
36 minutes -
Dr Kokofu pledges historic homecoming conference to drive construction of NPP Ashanti office complex
37 minutes -
Mahama announces plans to complete 30 abandoned E-block school projects across Ghana
39 minutes -
Daily Insight for CEOs: Digital customer experience and business growth
42 minutes -
Opposite-sex friendships: Where should couples draw the line?
42 minutes -
NSMQ 2026 introduces Clean Sheet award for contestants who answer all questions correctly
47 minutes -
Mulan Smart Educational Center to launch emotional and social intelligence framework
50 minutes -
Prophet Emmanuel Adjei leads prophetic encounters at Born to Prophesy 2026
50 minutes -
Accra Brewery warns higher beer taxes could hurt jobs, investment
53 minutes