Consumer spending rises by 63.1% in seven months

In July 2023, Ghana’s economic landscape witnessed a noteworthy surge in consumer spending, marking a promising trend that has caught the attention of economic observers and analysts. As revealed in the September 2023 Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) report by the Bank of Ghana, this uptick in consumer activity is supported by key indicators such as domestic VAT collections and retail sales.

On the VAT front, domestic VAT collections demonstrated robust growth, exhibiting a remarkable 20.1% year-on-year increase in July 2023. The figures soared to GH¢906.60 million, up from GH¢754.64 million for the same period in 2022. This substantial boost is not merely a one-off, as the cumulative data for the first seven months of 2023 paints an even more striking picture. VAT collections for this period surged by an impressive 63.1%, climbing to GH¢7,476.91 million, compared to GH¢4,584.75 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Retail sales, another vital facet of consumer activity, demonstrated a similar growth trajectory. In July 2023, retail sales leaped by a substantial 45.6% when compared to the figures recorded in the same month in 2022. The retail sector saw transactions amounting to GH¢168.46 million, up from GH¢115.74 million in the prior year. The upward momentum continued on a month-on-month basis, with July 2023 showcasing a 3.3% improvement over the preceding month when retail sales were at GH¢163.12 million. For the first seven months of 2023, retail sales exhibited a commendable 38.2% growth, underscoring the sustained and substantial nature of this surge.

This data paints an encouraging economic picture, as Ghana’s consumers have embraced an active role in shaping the nation’s financial landscape. The surge in domestic VAT collections and retail sales highlights the resilience and dynamism of the Ghanaian consumer, which, in turn, could have broader implications for the country’s economic growth and stability.

As Ghana continues to navigate its economic crisis, it remains to be seen how this robust consumer spending trend will influence various sectors and the overall economic landscape. Financial observers and policymakers are keenly monitoring these developments, as they seek to harness the potential of Ghana’s thriving consumer market while ensuring sustainable economic progress.