"Women are the backbone of Ghana’s open-space economy" – Government Statistician

The Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, has highlighted the critical role women play in Ghana’s open-space business ecosystem, describing them as the driving force behind one of the country’s most vibrant economic segments.

According to findings from the Ghana Statistical Service’s Integrated Business Establishment Survey I (IBES I), women dominate the open-space economy, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the workforce and owning about 84 percent of such businesses nationwide.

Dr. Iddrisu noted that open-space enterprises, which include roadside vendors, market traders, and informal food sellers, form a significant part of Ghana’s business landscape.

Out of the 2.64 million businesses recorded in 2024, about 693,748 operate in open spaces, employing over 922,000 people.

He emphasised that these businesses are not only widespread but essential to daily life, with nearly 68 percent engaged in retail food trade—ensuring the steady supply of food and beverages directly to households across the country.

“Women are the backbone of Ghana’s open-space economy,” Dr. Iddrisu stated, underscoring their central role in sustaining livelihoods, supporting families, and driving grassroots economic activity.

The Government Statistician further revealed that more than 99 percent of open-space businesses are Ghanaian-owned, making them a strong pillar of domestic enterprise and a key contributor to inclusive economic growth.

He added that the inclusion of open-space and mobile businesses in official data for the first time marks a major step toward shaping policies that reflect the realities of Ghana’s largely informal economy.

Story by: Hawa Abubakar