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Economic Transformation in Ghana: Where Will the Path Lead?

Author Info

  • Shashidhara Kolavalli

    ()

    (International Food Policy Research Institute)

  • Elizabeth Robinson

    ()

    (Department of Economics; University of Gothenburg)

  • Guyslain Ngeleza

    (International Food Policy Research Institute)

  • Felix Asante

    ()

    (Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research; University of Ghana)

Abstract

In the context of the Ghanaian government’s objective of structural transformation with an emphasis on manufacturing, this paper provides a case study of economic transformation in Ghana, exploring patterns of growth, sectoral transformation, and agglomeration. We document and examine why, despite impressive growth and poverty reduction figures, Ghana’s economy has exhibited less transformation than might be expected for a country that has recently achieved middle-income status. Ghana’s reduced share of agriculture in the economy, unlike many successfully transformed countries in Asia and Latin America, has been filled by services, while manufacturing has stagnated and even declined. Likely causes include weak transformation of the agricultural sector and therefore little development of agroprocessing, the emergence of consumption cities and consumption-driven growth, upward pressure on the exchange rate, weak production linkages, and a poor environment for private-sector-led manufacturing.

(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

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Article provided by African Finance and Economic Association in its journal Journal of African Development.

Volume (Year): 14 (2012)
Issue (Month): 2 ()
Pages: 41-78

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Handle: RePEc:afe:journl:v:14:y:2012:i:2:p:41-78
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  15. Breisinger, Clemens & Diao, Xinshen & Thurlow, James & Yu, Bingxin & Kolavalli, Shashi L., 2007. "Accelerated growth and structural transformation: Assessing Ghana’s options to reach middle-income status," GSSP working papers 7, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
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  19. repec:fpr:resrep:clemensbreisinger is not listed on IDEAS
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Cited by:

  1. Diao, Xinshen & Cossar, Frances & Houssou, Nazaire & Kolavalli, Shashidhara, 2014. "Mechanization in Ghana: Emerging demand, and the search for alternative supply models," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 168-181.
  2. Diao, Xinshen & Cossar, Frances & Houssou, Nazaire & Kolavalli, Shashidhara & Jimah, Kipo & Aboagye, Patrick, 2012. "Mechanization in Ghana: Searching for sustainable service supply models:," IFPRI discussion papers 1237, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
  3. Chapoto, Antony & Mabiso, Athur & Bonsu, Adwinmea, 2013. "Agricultural commercialization, land expansion, and homegrown land-scale farmers: Insights from Ghana:," IFPRI discussion papers 1286, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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