Accra, March 19, – The Ghana Statistical Service reports that 2.64 million mobile and open-space businesses operate across the country, providing jobs for approximately 992,000 people.
The data comes from the first Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES I), which captured both mobile traders and open-air vendors often excluded from official statistics.
Key findings include:
Mobile businesses: 82,920 operators using vans, carts, bicycles, or motorcycles.
Open space businesses: 693,748 operators, two-thirds in food and beverage sales.
Gender distribution: Women account for 67.5% of mobile operators and 79.5% of open-space operators.
Regional concentration: Greater Accra (mobile 41%, open space 24%), Ashanti (mobile 20.3%, open space 17%), Central (open space 11%).
Experience: Open space businesses operate on average for 73 months, with variations across regions.
Nationality: 94.2% of operators are Ghanaians, with non-Ghanaians more common in border regions.
Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician, highlighted that despite long working hours—64% working six days a week, nearly half exceeding 49 hours weekly—earnings are uneven: 31% earn GH¢100 or less daily, while 21% earn at least GH¢500.
The report pointed to small start-up capital, customer proximity, urbanisation, and adaptability as major drivers of the informal sector. Dr. Iddrisu called on the government and local authorities to improve market infrastructure, support access to microfinance and digital payments, and provide training in business and financial management.
GHBUSS
March 19, 2026
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