2023 growth projections to surpass IMF 1.5% forecast

Ghana’s economic outlook for 2023 appears more promising than previously anticipated, with growth potentially surpassing the modest 1.5% projection outlined in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. GCB Capital Research asserts that despite initial fiscal adjustments and vulnerabilities in the industrial sector, the nation’s GDP demonstrated resilience, averaging a robust 3.25% growth rate during the first half of 2023. This performance is underpinned by the sustained improvement in high-frequency economic activity indicators.

GCB Capital’s analysis suggests that although growth momentum may decelerate somewhat in the latter half of 2023 due to reduced policy support, the overall GDP growth for the year could outpace the IMF’s conservative estimates. Such an outcome bodes well for Ghana’s economic trajectory, particularly as it navigates the complexities of the IMF program.

Continued Disinflation Amidst Inflation Risks

Furthermore, GCB Capital anticipates that Ghana’s disinflation trend will persist throughout the fourth quarter of 2023, even in the face of potential inflationary pressures stemming from fluctuations in petroleum prices and periodic tariff adjustments. Consequently, the monetary policy stance is expected to remain neutral for the duration of the fourth quarter, potentially pivoting towards a more accommodative stance in the first quarter of 2024, contingent upon a sufficient retreat of inflationary pressures.

This nuanced monetary approach is envisaged to bolster growth dynamics, notably through the credit channel, marking a pivotal second year for the IMF program.

In the second quarter of 2023, Ghana’s provisional overall real GDP expanded by a commendable 3.2%. Equally noteworthy is the corresponding growth of 3.2% in the provisional non-oil real GDP for the same period.

The primary driver of this growth resurgence was the services sector, which surged with an impressive 6.3% growth rate, closely followed by the agriculture sector, boasting a 6% growth rate.

Within the services sector, pivotal contributions emanated from sub-sectors including information and communication, health & social work, public administration, defense and social security, transport and storage, and education. Similarly, the agriculture sector reaped benefits from the thriving sub-sectors of fishing, livestock, and crops.

However, the industrial sector continues to grapple with recessionary challenges, marking a third consecutive quarter of contraction during Q2 2023. Sub-sectors such as construction, manufacturing, water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation have encountered difficulties, underscoring the need for targeted policy interventions.

Ghana’s economic landscape is evolving, showcasing resilience and potential for growth exceeding earlier expectations. While hurdles persist, especially within the industrial sector, the nation’s adept handling of fiscal policies and strategic monetary maneuvers may pave the way for a brighter economic future.

Source: norvanreports