Explore the startup costs and potential returns for small businesses in Ghana, including poultry farming, mobile money agents, online retailing, and food delivery services.

Ghana has emerged as a hub for business opportunities in recent years, thanks to its stable political climate, growing economy, and strategic location.
With its rich natural resource base, a young and dynamic workforce, and an increasingly favorable business environment, Ghana offers many opportunities for local and international entrepreneurs.
Sectors like agriculture, technology, tourism, or renewable energy make the country a fertile ground for investment and innovation.
This blog post will explore some of the most promising business opportunities in Ghana and why now is the perfect time to invest.
Why Do Business in Ghana
- Ghana offers a favorable business environment.
- In 2020, it was ranked as the leading country in West Africa for ease of doing business.
- Areas of ease include setting up a business, getting electricity, dealing with construction permits, accessing credit, and registering property.
- In 2022, more than 18,000 newly registered businesses were forecast in Ghana.
- Sole proprietorships made up over 66,000 businesses as of 2019.
- The cost of company registration was about 12% of Ghana's gross national income per capita in 2019.
- On average, it takes around 12 days to start a business in Ghana.
Key Industries Driving Ghana's Economy
Services Sector
The services sector remains the largest contributor to Ghana's GDP, accounting for about 42.03% in 2022. This broad sector includes information and communication, education, healthcare, financial services, and public administration.
Notably, sub-sectors like Information and Communication expanded by 20%, and Education and Health & Social Works grew by 10% and 9%, respectively, in 2022. The sector's rapid growth is driven by digital innovation, increasing demand for professional services, and urbanization.
Ghana’s services imports and exports have also risen sharply, with the country importing $12 billion worth of services in 2020, including business services like ICT and professional consultancy, making the services sector a significant force in the economy.
Industry Sector
The industry sector contributed 31.99% to Ghana's GDP in 2022, with a strong focus on mining, manufacturing, and construction. Mining is a cornerstone of the industry, particularly gold mining, which grew by 32% year-on-year in 2022.
Ghana is one of the largest gold producers in the world, making mining a critical export industry. Manufacturing includes food processing, textiles, and beverage production, while construction has benefited from major infrastructure projects, such as roads and industrial development under government-led initiatives.
The sector continues to face challenges, such as currency depreciation and access to affordable foreign capital, but it remains a vital engine for economic growth and industrialization.
Agriculture Sector
Agriculture, which once dominated Ghana's economy, now contributes 19.57% to GDP but remains an essential part of the economy. Major agricultural exports include cocoa, palm oil, and rubber, with cocoa being a leading export commodity.
Ghana's agricultural sector employs a large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. Fishing and Livestock were among the sub-sectors that expanded by 9% and 6%, respectively, in 2022, showing ongoing growth within agriculture despite the challenges posed by climate change and limited modernization.
Efforts to modernize farming techniques and promote agribusiness are aimed at improving productivity and expanding export capacity, making agriculture a critical component of Ghana’s overall economic stability.
Small Business Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Ghana
Ghana’s dynamic economy and entrepreneurial spirit provide a fertile ground for small businesses across various sectors. Here are some promising small business ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs in Ghana.
1. Farming and Agriculture in Ghana
Agriculture remains one of Ghana's most critical sectors, providing a wealth of business opportunities for entrepreneurs. You can invest in crop farming (such as maize, cassava, and cocoa) or livestock rearing, the sector is ripe for innovation.
Entrepreneurs can tap into agro-processing, organic farming, or export-focused businesses, taking advantage of the increasing demand for locally produced and organic food.
With government support and the country's agricultural potential, farming businesses in Ghana are poised for growth.
2. Home Tutoring
As education is highly valued in Ghana, the demand for home tutoring services is growing, particularly in urban areas. Parents are increasingly looking for personalized educational support for their children in subjects like math, science, and English.
Entrepreneurs with strong educational backgrounds or teaching experience can offer private tutoring services, either in person or online. Home tutoring is a low-capital business, making it accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.
3. Poultry Farming Business in Ghana
Poultry farming is a profitable venture in Ghana, driven by the high demand for chicken and eggs.
Entrepreneurs can start small and gradually scale up, focusing on broilers, layers, or a mix of both. The business offers quick returns, with chickens reaching market size in a few months.
With proper management, quality feed, and good marketing, poultry farming can generate consistent income.
4. Real Estate
Ghana’s real estate market is booming, especially in rapidly growing cities like Accra and Kumasi. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of the rising demand for residential and commercial properties by starting a real estate business.
Opportunities include property development, real estate brokerage, or offering rental services. The growing middle class and increasing urbanization make real estate a lucrative sector for long-term investment.
5. Tourism and Hospitality
Ghana’s tourism industry offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly in hospitality. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural attractions, there is a growing demand for tourist services.
Entrepreneurs can start businesses like guesthouses, eco-lodges, or guided tour services to cater to both local and international tourists.
The Year of Return campaign in 2019 has sparked renewed interest in Ghana as a destination, making this a thriving sector.
6. The Home Delivery Business in Ghana
As e-commerce and online shopping grow in Ghana, the demand for home delivery services is rising. Entrepreneurs can set up a delivery business that serves restaurants, supermarkets, or online retailers.
With a motorbike or van, you can start offering door-to-door delivery services in major cities like Accra and Tema. This business requires relatively low startup capital and can expand rapidly with a reliable network of clients.
7. Car Wash Business
The car wash business is an easy-to-start venture that offers high returns, especially in urban areas where vehicle ownership is increasing.
Entrepreneurs can set up car wash stations in busy locations or offer mobile car wash services that go to customers’ homes or workplaces.
A small plot of land, water supply, and cleaning equipment are all you need to get started, and additional services like interior cleaning and waxing can increase your earnings.
8. Event Planning Business
Event planning is a booming industry in Ghana, with increasing demand for professional organizers for weddings, corporate events, and parties.
Entrepreneurs with strong organizational and communication skills can start an event planning business, offering services such as venue selection, decoration, catering coordination, and entertainment.
The industry is highly creative, and those who excel at meeting clients’ needs can quickly build a solid reputation.
9. Bakery and Snacks Business
Baking is another lucrative small business in Ghana, with a growing market for bread, cakes, and snacks. Entrepreneurs can start small by baking from home and selling to neighbors, schools, or local shops.
Popular items like pastries, doughnuts, and meat pies are in high demand. As your business grows, you can expand into catering for events, supplying local stores, or opening a small bakery shop.
10. Clothing Business
The clothing business in Ghana is thriving, with opportunities in both local and Western-style fashion.
Entrepreneurs can start by selling ready-made clothes, designing custom outfits, or opening a boutique. The demand for traditional Ghanaian fabrics like kente and African prints provides a niche market for entrepreneurs to explore.
In addition, selling second-hand clothes, known as "obroni waawu," is also a popular and profitable venture, especially in urban areas.
Related Read: https://www.wallchartafrica.com/blog/how-much-investment-is-needed-to-launch-a-successful-clothing-brand-in-africa
High-Demand Businesses in Ghana
As Ghana’s economy grows and diversifies, certain sectors and products have emerged as particularly high demand. We’ve classified them under the subheadings below:
What Sells Fast in Ghana Now?
Essentials
- Food (groceries, snacks, beverages)
- Clothing (affordable, fashionable, traditional wear)
- Electronics (smartphones, laptops, home appliances)
Mobile Technology
- Smartphones
- Mobile accessories (chargers, headphones, cases)
Household Items
- Cleaning supplies
- Kitchen appliances
- Furniture
Cosmetics
- Skincare products
- Haircare products
- Makeup
E-Commerce Platforms
- Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs)
- Gadgets (phones, tablets, electronics)
- Affordable clothing (through platforms like Jumia and Tonaton)
Current Consumer Trends and Popular Products
Technology
- Mobile phones and accessories
- Laptops and home electronics
- Mobile money services
Health & Fitness
- Organic foods
- Fitness equipment
Fashion
- Western and traditional African clothing fusion
- Kente and other local fabric designs
- Customized and ready-made outfits
Fast-Selling Goods in Urban vs. Rural Areas
- Urban Areas: In cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, popular products include electronics, fashion accessories, clothing, cosmetics, and processed foods. Urban consumers tend to be tech-savvy and prefer the convenience of e-commerce platforms. Services like home delivery, ride-hailing, and luxury goods also thrive in these areas.
- Rural Areas: In rural regions, essentials such as food, agricultural supplies, and affordable clothing are top sellers. Items like farming tools, seeds, fertilizers, and basic electronics (e.g., radios and mobile phones) are in demand, while luxury items are less common.
Seasonal Demand Fluctuations
- Holiday Seasons: Festive periods like Christmas and Easter drive high demand for clothing, electronics, food, and gifts, resulting in peak sales.
- Back-to-School: Sales of school supplies such as uniforms, backpacks, and stationery rise at the start of the school year, appealing to both rural and urban consumers.
- Agricultural Seasons: In rural areas, planting and harvest seasons boost the demand for farming tools, fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery.
Profitable Business Ideas with 20,000 Cedis in Ghana
Starting a business in Ghana doesn’t necessarily require a large capital investment. With 20,000 cedis, aspiring entrepreneurs can explore several low-cost business ideas that offer quick returns and growth potential.
Low-Cost Business Ideas
Here are some profitable business ideas you can start with a budget of 20,000 cedis:
- Poultry Farming: Start a small poultry farm with 100-200 broilers using 20,000 cedis for chicks, feed, vaccinations, and a basic coop. Broilers mature in 6-8 weeks, offering quick returns, especially during holidays.
- Mobile Money Agent: Set up a kiosk with a POS machine and float capital for mobile money transactions. With 20,000 cedis, you can earn commissions in a busy area through regular transactions.
- Online Retailing: Use 20,000 cedis to stock fast-selling items like clothing or electronics and sell online via platforms like Jumia. This budget covers inventory, marketing, and delivery logistics.
- Food Delivery Services: Launch a food delivery service with 20,000 cedis, covering delivery equipment and marketing. Partner with local restaurants and scale as demand grows.
Business Type | Expense Category | Cost (in Cedis) | Total Cost | Potential Returns |
Poultry Farming | Chicks | 5,000 | 18,000 | 200 broilers sold at 50 cedis each could earn 10,000 cedis per batch, with 4-5 batches annually. |
Feed and vaccinations | 6,000 | |||
Coop construction and supplies | 5,000 | |||
Miscellaneous (water, electricity, marketing) | 2,000 | |||
Mobile Money Agent | Kiosk setup and POS machine | 6,000 | 18,000 | Commissions of 1-2% per transaction could generate 1,000 to 2,000 cedis monthly depending on volume. |
Float capital | 10,000 | |||
Miscellaneous (registration, signage, marketing) | 2,000 | |||
Online Retailing | Initial stock | 10,000 | 20,000 | Profit margins of 30-50% could yield monthly earnings between 2,000 and 5,000 cedis based on sales volume. |
Website setup or e-commerce fees | 3,000 | |||
Delivery logistics | 4,000 | |||
Marketing | 3,000 | |||
Food Delivery Services | Delivery equipment (motorbikes, containers) | 10,000 | 20,000 | Earnings of 500-1,000 cedis monthly per delivery rider, with potential for growth as the business expands. |
Partnership agreements and marketing | 5,000 | |||
Operational costs (fuel, salaries) | 5,000 |
Conclusion
Now is an ideal time to invest in Ghana, with opportunities that cater to both established businesses and budding entrepreneurs.
Ghana presents many business opportunities across various sectors, from agriculture and real estate to technology and tourism.
Moreover, the country’s stable political climate, growing economy, and improved business environment make it an attractive destination for both local and international entrepreneurs.