Ghana's Top Risk for 2026: Tackling Unemployment & Economic Opportunity

Unemployment or a lack of economic opportunity could pose Ghana’s biggest risk in 2026, even as short-term price pressures show signs of easing. This is followed by technological disruption and insufficient public services, including infrastructure, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026. The report, which is informed by responses from business executives under the Executive Opinion Survey 2025, signals growing concern that Ghana’s economic recovery is yet to translate into broad-based job creation, particularly for the country’s youthful labour force. Analysts say persistent unemployment threatens household incomes, consumer demand, and long-term productivity, raising risks to economic and social stability. Ranked second on Ghana’s risk profile are the adverse outcomes of artificial intelligence technologies, reflecting unease over the speed of digital transformation relative to skills development, regulatory readiness, and labour market adaptability. While technology presents opportunities for efficiency and growth, the report suggests that without targeted reskilling and strong governance frameworks, automation could displace jobs and widen inequality. The assessment also places insufficient public services and social protection among Ghana’s top risks, highlighting sustained pressure on healthcare, education, transport infrastructure, and pension systems. This comes at a time when fiscal consolidation limits public spending, even as population growth and urbanisation increase demand for essential services. A decline in health and well-being further underscores the link between social outcomes and economic performance, with weaker health systems translating into lower labour productivity and higher household costs. Although inflation has moderated from recent peaks, it remains among the country’s key risk factors, reflecting lingering sensitivity around the cost of living and business planning certainty. The World Economic Forum notes that addressing these risks will require a shift from short-term stabilisation towards employment-led growth, human capital development and resilient public service delivery.