Ghana reviews trade and industrial policies to drive productivity, boost competitiveness and create more and better jobs
An evidence-based review of Ghana's trade and industrial policies is paving the way for reforms that will strengthen enterprise productivity, expand market opportunities, support business growth and investment, and create more and better jobs, helping to build a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient economy
11 June 2026
Accra – A comprehensive review of Ghana's trade and industrial policies has laid the foundation for a new generation of reforms aimed at accelerating productivity growth, strengthening business competitiveness and creating more and better jobs across the country.
The review, led by the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) through its Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work Programme, assessed the performance of Ghana's Trade Policy (2004) and Industrial Policy (2010). Government, employers, and workers’ organizations presented and validated the findings during a national dialogue in May 2026.
The assessment combined three complementary sources of evidence: an econometric analysis of policy impacts on productivity, value addition, exports, employment, and job quality; a nationally representative survey of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); and extensive consultations with stakeholders from government, business, and labour organizations.
The findings show that past trade and industrial policies contributed positively to productivity growth and value addition in targeted sectors, helping to strengthen enterprise performance and support industrial development. These gains are important drivers of economic growth, export competitiveness, and business expansion.
However, the review found limited evidence of significant impacts on net employment creation or job quality, highlighting the need for future reforms to link productivity growth more deliberately with decent work outcomes. The findings provide an opportunity for Ghana to design policies that translate economic growth into wider employment opportunities and improved livelihoods. The review also identified several barriers limiting policy effectiveness, including fragmented governance structures, overlapping institutional mandates, low awareness of policy measures among micro and small enterprises, and persistent constraints in access to finance.
Addressing these challenges would unlock greater benefits for businesses, workers, and the wider economy. For MSMEs, which form the backbone of Ghana's economy, future reforms could improve access to policy support, finance, and market opportunities, enabling firms to become more productive, competitive, and resilient. Stronger enterprises can in turn drive investment, innovation, and sustainable job creation.
Workers and job seekers also stand to benefit from policies that place greater emphasis on decent work. By fostering productive enterprises and supporting economic diversification, future reforms can help expand opportunities for formal employment, skills development, and improved working conditions.
The findings are timely and set the foundation for the review of the trade and industrial policies.
Mr. Noah Tumfo, Chief Director at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry
Speaking on behalf of Dr Vanessa Phala, the Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and the ECOWAS Liaison Office, Luca Fedi, Technical Specialist, Employment and Productivity in ILO commended the Government of Ghana and the social partners for undertaking a review process that was both evidence-based and participatory. He stated that the impact assessment would provide a solid foundation for designing policies that would advance productivity, enterprise development, and decent work. He also stated that by strengthening the link between economic transformation and employment outcomes, Ghana could build a more competitive economy that could deliver tangible benefits for businesses, workers, and communities.
Social partners welcomed the report and its recommendations. Mr Richard Achaempong of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Ghana highlighted the importance of ensuring that industrial policy delivers meaningful improvements in employment quality and decent work outcomes. Mr Kingsley Laar, Senior Economist at the Ghana Employers' Association, emphasized the potential for reforms to increase productivity, expand market opportunities, and strengthen long-term business growth.
The findings will now inform the development of a new generation of trade and industrial policies, scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026. Through the Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work Programme, the ILO will continue supporting government, employers, and workers' organizations to ensure that future policies promote productivity growth, stronger enterprises, and the creation of more and better jobs.