Accra: Ghana's economy grew by 6.0% in the second quarter of 2026, bringing total economic growth for the first half of the year to 6.2%, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). This growth rate marks a slight deceleration from the 6.1% recorded in the second quarter of 2025.
According to Ghana Web, the data reveals that non-oil GDP expanded by 5.4% in the second quarter and recorded growth of 5.9% for the first half of 2026, indicating robust performance outside the oil sector. Oil and gas activity, however, surged by 21.4% during the quarter, significantly boosting industrial output.
The services sector emerged as the main growth driver during this period, with notable performance in information and communications technology (ICT). The services sector grew by 8.0% and contributed 57.6% to overall GDP growth in the second quarter. ICT, the standout performer within the services sector, expanded by 30.9%, contributing 41.5% to total GDP growth, underscoring the increasing influence of digital and technology-related activities on Ghana's economy.
The industrial sector experienced a growth of 4.3%, aided by a recovery in oil and gas production. In contrast, the agriculture sector posted a more modest growth of 3.9%, impacted by a sharp 24.7% decline in fishing activity.
Investment also saw notable growth, increasing by 53.0% in the second quarter, while domestic demand expanded by 11.2%. Seasonally adjusted real GDP rose by 1.4% quarter-on-quarter, indicating resilience in Ghana's economy despite uneven growth across sectors.
The economic expansion in the first half of 2026, with a 6.2% overall growth and a 5.9% rise in non-oil GDP, highlights the importance of broadening growth across productive sectors. Sustaining this momentum will require efforts to ensure that economic growth leads to job creation, higher incomes, and improved living standards.