Over Half of Ghana’s Mobile Business Operators Earn Less Than GH₵100 Daily – GSS Survey Reveals Deep Income Struggles
A fresh report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) paints a concerning picture of income vulnerability among Ghana’s mobile business operators, who form a vital part of the informal economy.
According to the latest findings from the Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES) – specifically covering mobile and open-space businesses – 57.1% of these operators earn less than GH₵100 per day. This low daily income level leaves many struggling to cover basic living costs after expenses such as stock, transport, and market levies.
Widespread but Low-Earning Sector
The survey counts a total of 82,920 mobile business operators across the country. These include street hawkers, itinerant vendors, porters, and traders operating without fixed shops or premises – a common sight in busy urban markets and neighbourhoods, especially in regions like Greater Accra and Ashanti.
Despite their large numbers and role in last-mile distribution of goods, most earnings remain at subsistence levels, raising serious questions about long-term sustainability and productivity in the sector.
Youth and Women Lead the Way
The mobile business sector serves as a major entry point into work for young people. Around 60% of operators are aged 15–34 years, reflecting limited formal job opportunities and the sector’s appeal as a quick way to start earning in cities.
Women make up the majority of operators, accounting for 77.5% of the total. This means the income challenges hit female-led households particularly hard and highlight gender-specific economic vulnerabilities in the informal economy.
Heavy Focus on Retail Trading
Further breakdown shows that 85.2% of mobile businesses are involved in goods trading – mainly retailing food items, clothing, accessories, and everyday consumer products. This high concentration in retail leads to intense competition, low profit margins, and limited room for income growth due to oversupply and price undercutting.
Key Challenges in the Informal Economy
Mobile businesses play an essential role in daily commerce, especially in areas where formal retail is less accessible. However, operators face ongoing structural barriers, including:
Limited access to affordable finance and credit
Poor supporting infrastructure (storage, transport, sanitation)
Exclusion from formal systems and government support programs
These constraints keep many trapped in low-productivity cycles despite the sector’s importance to urban livelihoods and household incomes.
Call for Targeted Support
Experts and policymakers note that improving conditions in this sector could boost household incomes and contribute more to national growth. Suggested interventions include:
Expanding access to low-interest microcredit through programs like NBSSI and fintech partnerships
Promoting digital tools such as mobile money and e-commerce platforms
Offering skills training in business management, record-keeping, and value addition
Creating better vending zones and reducing certain market fees
The GSS data comes from the 2024 IBES rounds, with recent releases focusing on mobile and open-space operators. The findings underscore the need for urgent, targeted policies to help young entrepreneurs – especially women – move toward more sustainable and productive business models.
