Ghana’s economy has demonstrated resilience, with improvements in monetary stability, fiscal performance and external trade, the 2024 National Annual Progress Report (APR) on the implementation of the Agenda for Jobs II (2022–2025) has revealed.

According to the report, inflation eased, the cedi’s depreciation slowed, and the trade balance posted a surplus of $4.98 billion, driven by increased gold exports.

Again, the report highlighted strong growth in the services, agriculture, and extractive sectors, with the country retaining its position as Africa’s top gold producer.

"However, persistent structural weaknesses, including low revenue mobilisation, high debt levels, and limited industrial diversification, continue to threaten sustainable and inclusive growth," the report added.

The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) launched the report in Accra last Monday. It assesses the country's progress towards achieving national development goals.

The report reviewed performances across key sectors, including the real sector, social, environmental, and governance dimensions.

It also outlined key achievements and challenges in those sectors and made policy recommendations for implementation.

Prioritise SDGs reporting

Speaking at the launch of the document, the Presidential Advisor on the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs), Dr Nii Moi Thompson, described the APR as the most reliable and comprehensive source of data for assessing government performance.

He underscored the need for journalists, in particular, to prioritise issues of SDG reporting as captured in the document over political manifestos.

Dr Thompson said effective reporting on the SDGs by the media would help to throw the spotlight on the NDPC’s pivotal role in monitoring, evaluating and coordinating government development policies and programmes.

He added that it would also provide the basis for evidence-based advocacy, correct misinformation, and mobilise support for priority actions.

Strategic document

The Director-General of the NDPC, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, said the 2024 APR served not only as a record of the country’s development journey under the Agenda for Jobs II, but also as a strategic tool to guide development action.

She acknowledged persistent challenges in data quality and coordination across institutions but highlighted ongoing measures to enhance reliability.

Dr Amoah called on all stakeholders to engage with the findings and use them to drive inclusive and evidence-based development in the final year of the framework.

More findings

The report recorded progress in access to education, health care and social protection programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) and the School Feeding Programme.

It added that there had been enhanced gender equality efforts alongside initiatives to strengthen local governance and public sector efficiency.

The APR also indicated that there had been improved transparency and accountability measures through collaboration among anti-corruption institutions.

However, the report highlighted challenges in service delivery, youth unemployment, and reducing corruption.

It also showed that in terms of infrastructure and the environment, gains were made in road construction, energy access and digital connectivity, "but issues like poor maintenance, housing deficits and environmental degradation persist."

The report called for stronger governance, stricter enforcement, and climate adaptation strategies to ensure sustainable development.