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Mining Drives Ghana's 2022 Q4 Economic Growth Despite Crises

© AP Photo / OLIVIER ASSELINA view of the company Bogoso Gold Limited, open cast gold mine near the town of Prestea, Ghana, Sept. 27, 2005.
A view of the company Bogoso Gold Limited, open cast gold mine near the town of Prestea, Ghana, Sept. 27, 2005.  - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 20.04.2023
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Ghana is facing persistent economic crises, with inflation reaching its highest levels in decades, causing the cost of living to soar. The situation is exacerbated by increasing debt-service payments and a falling exchange rate. However, the country's mining sector proved to be resilient amid such a turbulent time in the economy.
Ghana's economy grew faster than forecast in the last quarter of 2022, despite inflation surpassing 40%, a heavy debt burden and surging interest rates, media has reported.
Government statistician Samuel Kobina Annim told media that Ghana's gross domestic product (GDP) registered 3.7% growth in the three months through December last year, compared with growth of 3.1% in the previous quarter. It was noted that preliminary estimates suggested that the growth would be less than 3% - about 2.6% - but it managed to beat expectations.
Annim explained that the economic growth was largely driven by upward trends in mining and quarrying, which increased by 13.4% in the fourth quarter of 2022 from the previous year. He also mentioned a major contribution of other sectors, including information and communications, and agriculture.
Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer. The mining sector plays an important role in the country's economy, as it generates over one-third of all export revenues, making a large contribution to GDP and employment.
However, according to Ghana Statistical Service data, the overall economic growth slowed to 3.1% last year from a revised 5.1% a year earlier. This figure is slightly below International Monetary Fund’s estimate of 3.2% and the Finance Ministry's 3.7%.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief Economist Pierre Olivier Gourinchas speaks during an interview with AFP at the IMF headquarters in Washington, DC, on July 26, 2022. - Surging inflation and severe slowdowns in the United States and China prompted the IMF on July 26, 2022, to downgrade its outlook for the global economy this year and next, while giving an even starker assessment of what may lie ahead. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP) - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 26.09.2022
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