GSS begins second phase of nationwide business Survey
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has initiated the second phase of the Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES II), one of the largest enterprise data collection exercises in the country’s recent history.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, July 16, over 2,000 trained field officers are visiting more than 40,000 selected businesses across all 16 regions of Ghana.
The nationwide survey aims to collect current and comprehensive data to inform Ghana’s economic planning and policy direction. IBES II targets both formal and informal enterprises across more than 100 economic activity categories.
The data captured includes key business indicators such as performance, job creation trends, capital investment flows, and operational challenges.
“This survey captures how businesses perform, where and how jobs are being created, how capital is being invested, and what challenges are holding firms back,” the GSS stated.
The findings from IBES II are expected to significantly contribute to the computation of major national economic indicators, including the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Producer Price Index (PPI), and the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
Beyond headline statistics, the survey will shed light on deeper economic concerns such as informal employment, productivity disparities, and the pace of regional development.
“This survey will help identify which sectors can scale, what kind of support businesses need to operate beyond regular hours, and where digital tools are improving productivity,” the GSS added.
The data collected will serve as a critical resource for strengthening the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, which the GSS emphasizes is vital for job creation and inclusive economic growth.
