Ghana’s Business Outlook 2026: Hospitality Sector Faces Utility Crisis While Aviation and Agribusiness Eye Expansion

The Ghanaian business landscape in early 2026 is navigating a complex mix of operational hurdles and strategic growth opportunities. While the hospitality industry is sounding alarms over rising costs, the aviation and agribusiness sectors are positioning themselves for international expansion and infrastructure modernization. These developments highlight a critical juncture for the national economy, where the ease of doing business remains a primary concern for local operators even as the country seeks to strengthen its position as a regional hub for trade and tourism.

At the forefront of domestic challenges, the Ghana Progressive Hotels Association (GHAPROHA) has expressed grave concerns regarding escalating utility tariffs and inconsistent service delivery. During the association’s first meeting of 2026, President Emmanuel Geadda Asando urged the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to intervene with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Company. Highlighting a particular crisis in the Tema Metropolis, Asando noted that hoteliers are being forced to rely on expensive water tankers and private generators to maintain operations. Despite the government's removal of the COVID-19 Levy, the association criticized the persistent burden of additional state levies, warning that high operational costs could deter investment and stifle the tourism sector.

In contrast to the struggles in hospitality, the aviation sector is moving forward with ambitious plans to enhance connectivity and infrastructure. At the 5th AviationGhana Breakfast Meeting held in February 2026, stakeholders emphasized the importance of aligning national policies with ECOWAS directives to boost regional competitiveness. Yvonne Nana Afriyiye Opare detailed upcoming infrastructure upgrades at Kotoka International Airport, including a new concourse designed to improve travel efficiency. Kamil Al-Awadhi from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) underscored that sustainable growth in the sector depends on a unified regulatory approach that fosters a more conducive environment for airlines and travel consultants.

Parallel to these infrastructure efforts, the agribusiness sector is preparing to scale its international footprint through the second Canada-Africa Agribusiness Summit (CAAS), scheduled for July 15–16, 2026, in Saskatoon. This summit aims to bridge trade gaps between Canadian and African markets, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. With over 500 participants expected, the event will focus on sustainable food systems and investment partnerships. As Ghana seeks to balance the high cost of local operations with these global trade opportunities, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether policy interventions can alleviate the pressures on domestic businesses while sustaining the momentum in aviation and international trade.