The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has called for Ghana to initiate a widespread "productivity revolution." This call comes with a stark warning. The nation cannot generate sufficient government revenue for essential infrastructure and national progress without improving efficiency across all economic sectors.
This low productivity is a major hurdle. It prevents higher wages, hinders business growth, and limits the tax revenue needed for sustainable transformation. Ghana's economy is heavily reliant on small, low-value informal businesses. These businesses represent 92 per cent of all enterprises. They also employ nearly 80 per cent of the workforce. However, they only contribute about 27 per cent to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This situation leads to a paradox: many businesses but little overall business value.
The context for this call is Ghana's persistent economic challenges. Global productivity figures highlight the gap. Data from the International Labour Organization shows Sub-Saharan Africa's labour productivity at $5.7 per hour worked in 2025. The global average was much higher at $23.3 per hour. Ghana's own productivity was recorded at $11.57 per hour. This was boosted by sectors like mining and finance. This low output directly impacts earnings and the government's ability to collect taxes. This weak productivity is linked to recurring financial crises and repeated reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“We can’t pay higher wages, increase business profits and expand the tax base to raise enough revenue to finance infrastructure unless we prioritise productivity,” the NDPC Chairman stated emphatically. He also expressed concerns about the effectiveness of some existing state institutions. He suggested that entities like COCOBOD might have "outlived their usefulness" and could be re-evaluated for efficiency. The NDPC is now shifting its focus. It will measure economic success beyond just GDP growth, incorporating job creation and wage increases.
The implications of this call are significant for Ghana's economic future. Improving efficiency in how national resources are used is crucial. This includes a careful assessment of government spending. Decisions on allocating funds for salaries, daily operations, and infrastructure investment will be critical. Watch for policy changes aimed at formalizing businesses and improving the skills of the workforce. Policymakers and potentially, international financial institutions observing Ghana's progress will focus on concrete steps to boost output. The daily minimum wage in Ghana is currently GHS 27.77.