Ghana Statistical Service reports 6.8% economic expansion in August 2026

Ghana's economy recorded a year-on-year expansion of 6.8% in August 2026, according to the latest Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG) released by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). This performance represents an acceleration from the 5.3% growth rate recorded in the same month of the previous year. The data highlights robust economic momentum, with the average growth rate for the first two months of the third quarter—July and August—standing at 6.9%.

The services sector emerged as the primary engine of growth, expanding by 10.7% and accounting for approximately 69.9% of the total economic expansion during the month. Within this sector, information and communication activities were the standout performers. The GSS reported that the services sector alone contributed 4.8 percentage points to the overall 6.8% growth figure. Meanwhile, the industrial sector also showed improvement, recording a growth rate of 4.5% as industrial activity continues to climb.

In contrast to the strong performance in services and industry, the agricultural sector experienced a slowdown, growing by 2.6% in August. Despite this deceleration in farming activities, the overall economic activity index rose to 115.4, up from 108.0 in August 2025. Government statisticians emphasized that these monthly indicators serve as a preliminary assessment of the nation's economic trajectory before the more comprehensive quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures are finalized and published.

The MIEG is designed to provide an early look at economic movements, allowing policymakers and businesses to gauge the health of the economy in real-time. The GSS noted that these provisional figures may be subject to revision as additional data is incorporated. Looking ahead, the Statistical Service is scheduled to release the next report, covering economic activity for September 2026, on December 9, 2026. This upcoming release will provide a clearer picture of the current economic climate under the administration of President John Mahama.