The World Bank warns that Ghana’s difficult business environment continues to be an obstacle to the country’s growth. Unreliable and costly connections raise operating costs, split markets. Scare private investors.
These problems are especially worrisome for Ghana’s plans to move away from resource industries such as gold and cocoa.
At the launch of the Ghana Economic Update in Accra Robert Taliercio O’Brien, the World Bank’s Division Director for Ghana Sierra Leone and Liberia explained that improving the business environment is essential if Ghana wants to turn its recent macroeconomic gains into lasting and inclusive growth.
“The challenging business environment is limiting Ghana’s growth potential, as unreliable and expensive connectivity increases operating costs, fragments markets and discourages private investment in the non-extractive sectors essential to economic diversification,” he said.
This assessment comes as Ghana shows a rebound in several key macroeconomic indicators showing that the country has made great progress in restoring economic stability.
The economy grew by 6.0% in 2025 the rate since 2019 and then accelerated to 6.4% in the first quarter of 2026.
Inflation has fallen sharply dropping from 23.2% in February 2025 to 4.6% today. Public debt has also fallen, falling from 70.3% of GDP in 2024 to 49% by the end of 2025.
While these numbers show macroeconomic conditions the World Bank cautions that these gains could stay fragile if deep structural problems for businesses and investment are not fixed.
High operating costs make it harder for Ghanaian businesses to grow compete abroad and create lasting jobs. Small businesses feel the strain when transport, logistics and connectivity costs take a large share of their income.
For an economy that wants to leave commodity dependence it is vital to create conditions that attract investment in manufacturing, technology, agriculture processing and other non‑extractive sectors.
The World Bank’s worries go beyond the cost of business. Weak connectivity stops firms in parts of the country from reaching suppliers, customers and major commercial hubs limiting chances for economic participation.
Transport infrastructure has become another area that needs attention.
The World Bank says Ghana’s transport sector is a barrier to productivity, competitiveness and job creation. Of the 94,200-kilometre road network only 27% is paved and more than half is in fair to poor condition.
Feeder roads suffer especially making it hard for communities and businesses that rely on roads to move farm produce and other goods to markets.
Bad roads extend travel times increase vehicle maintenance costs and raise the cost of moving goods. For farmers and firms outside cities these problems lower their competitiveness and discourage investment in productive activities.
Taliercio said the transport sector must be seen not as infrastructure but as a core part of Ghana’s wider economic development plan.
“This goes beyond infrastructure; it is fundamentally about economic growth, competitiveness and job creation,” he said.
The World Bank’s view is that Ghana’s economic recovery needs reforms that improve the conditions for businesses. While macroeconomic stability builds a base for growth businesses also need reliable infrastructure, efficient markets and predictable operating conditions to invest and expand.
This challenge is especially key as Ghana seeks to create jobs and widen its sources of growth. A diversified economy would be less affected by price swings in commodities. Could offer more chances for value addition inside the country.
The 10th Ghana Economic Update reviews Ghana’s economic performance and lists policy steps the World Bank sees as needed to keep the recovery going and to promote stronger more inclusive growth.
The report’s warning highlights the need to tackle bottlenecks even as Ghana’s headline numbers improve.
To turn the macroeconomic recovery into long‑term prosperity policymakers must match improvements, in inflation, debt and growth with reforms that lower the cost of business.
Strengthening transport links boosting connectivity and creating an investment‑friendly business climate could decide whether Ghana turns its recovery into wider private‑sector development, job creation and sustainable diversification.