Agriculture recovery in 2025 was encouraging but uneven, industrial slowdown highlights broader development – ISSER

Ghana’s agricultural recovery in 2025 was encouraging but uneven, the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has stated. According to the research institute from the University of Ghana, sustaining growth will require improvements in productivity, market infrastructure and policy implementation. In its 2025 State of the Ghana Economy Report (SGER), ISSER said expanding effective irrigation, mechanisation and extension services, with greater attention to crop yields will raise agricultural productivity. It also pointed out that improving storage, processing, transport and market access to reduce post-harvest losses and improve producer returns will strengthen markets and value chains. It emphasised that agriculture remains central to Ghana’s food security, rural livelihoods and agro-industrial development; therefore, stronger agricultural growth can improve food availability and support economic activity. However, it cautioned that aggregate growth may conceal weaknesses in individual commodities. Industry Sector On the Industry sector, ISSER said Ghana’s industrial slowdown in 2025 highlights the need to translate mineral sector strength into broader industrial development, supported by competitive manufacturing and greater domestic value addition. it alluded that the sector is important for job creation, value addition and economic diversification. It therefore calls for an industry that translates mineral sector strength into broader industrial development, supported by competitive manufacturing and greater domestic value addition On policy priorities, ISSER called for the strengthening of manufacturing competitiveness by reducing production and financing costs, improving infrastructure and supporting investment in value addition. Similarly, it wants improved energy security and efficiency through addressing electricity sector financial and operational weaknesses, strengthening domestic gas supply and expanding renewable energy. Services Sector For the Services sector, the research firm said it is increasingly important for Ghana’s economic growth, employment and structural transformation. In that regard, modern services such as ICT, finance and logistics can raise productivity across the economy, while education and healthcare support human capital development. However, rapid growth in services does not automatically translate into productive employment or better service delivery. It therefore states that quality, accessibility and productivity of services matter as much as their expansion.