Ghana Statistical Service Integrated Business Establishment Survey I (IBES I) report on Mobile and Open Space Businesses in Ghana has revealed that nearly 700,000 businesses operate in open spaces, employing over 922,000 people nationwide, making them a major pillar of the informal economy when it comes to open space businesses operating at scale across.
The report says Women dominate both ownership and employment accounting for 79.5% of workers and 84% of business owners, positioning open space businesses as a key driver of women’s economic empowerment.
According to the report, “local ownership is near universal: About 99.2% of open space businesses are Ghanaian-owned, underscoring their role in domestic enterprise and community-based economic growth”.
Presenting the report in ACCRa, the Government Statistician, Alhassan Iddrisu (PhD) on Thursday, 19 March 2026 said over 68.4% of businesses sell food and beverages, making open space businesses essential for household food access and daily commerce.
He said more than 51% of open space businesses are located in Greater Accra (23.5%), Ashanti (17.1%), and Central (10.7%), reflecting strong links to urban demand and market activity.
“About 63.7% operate at least six days a week, and manywork long hours. Yet 31.3% earn GH₵100 or less daily, while 21% earn at least GH₵500, highlighting both resilience and income inequality within the sector, he added.
