Ghana unveils the fifth IBES to propel national development

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has officially launched the 2024 Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES) signaling the initiation of the survey’s fifth edition.

In partnership with crucial stakeholders including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the World Bank, and diverse participants from both the public and private sectors, the 2024 Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES) strives to deliver in-depth insights into the business landscape of the country.

The survey is structured in two phases, with Phase I, a comprehensive census, scheduled to kick off on January 15, 2024. During this initial stage, a thorough listing of all business units nationwide will be generated, encompassing detailed information on their respective characteristics. Following this, Phase II will entail a sample survey focused on selected businesses, aiming to gather in-depth data on their activities.

Before initiating the data collection phase, the GSS has undertaken pivotal activities such as engaging in consultative sessions with stakeholders and conducting the recruitment and training of trainers, field officers, and other officials. IBES I’s primary goal is to refresh the Statistical Business Register, yielding crucial data essential for national development.

During IBES I, all business units in Ghana, regardless of their nature (for-profit or not-for-profit), size, location, or structure (physical or online), will be enumerated. The survey aims to provide updated statistics on various aspects, including the activities, locations, ownership, ages, and sizes of businesses.

Precisely, IBES I is designed to provide current insights into business characteristics, contributing valuable information for the formulation of policies, strategic planning, and effective monitoring of business growth and national development programs.

It will also provide insight into the current structure of Ghana’s economy, facilitating the revision of key macroeconomic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Producer Price Index (PPI), and the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

In addition, the 2024 IBES will examine the employment status of workers, playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between firms’ labor needs and the available skills. It will also focus on understanding the characteristics of the informal sector, providing valuable insights to shape policies aimed at formalizing the economy and enhancing the welfare of workers across diverse sectors.

In an official statement, the GSS encourages full cooperation from all Ghanaians, urging active participation in the national exercise by collaborating with IBES officials.