New Market Study, "Ghana Business Forecast Report Q2 2013", has been Published

New Country Reports research report from Business Monitor International is now available from Fast Market Research

by Bill Thompson

(WireNews+Co) - Boston, MA - 11 March 2013

Core Views

The Ghanaian economy will enjoy strong economic growth over the medium term, propelled by the nascent Oil & Gas sector.

Ghana's abundant natural resources, fast growth trajectory and relative political stability augur for strong foreign investment inflows.

The current account deficit and fiscal deficits will remain key structural weaknesses in the economy.

Ghana's reputation for political stability remains intact following the December 2012 elections and the nation is widely regarded as a safe place to do business.

Major Forecast Changes

Following the revelation that the budget deficit swelled to more than 12.2% of GDP in 2012, we are now forecasting larger budget deficits than previously for the coming years.

View Full Report Details (http://www.fastmr.com/prod/552231_ghana_business_forecast_report_q2_2013.aspx?afid=201) (http://www.fastmr.com/prod/552231_ghana_business_forecast_report_q2_2013.aspx?afid=201)

Key Risks To Outlook

The Ghanaian cedi remains vulnerable amid the sizeable current account deficit and could depreciate more swiftly than we anticipate.

Mismanagement of oil revenues - perhaps stemming from insufficient institutional capacity - could dent investor perceptions.

Partial Table of Contents:

Executive Summary

Core Views

Major Forecast Changes

Key Risks To Outlook

Chapter 1: Political Outlook

SWOT Analysis

BMI Political Risk Ratings

Domestic Politics 1

Q&A On The Implications Of The 2012 Elections

- Ghana held presidential and parliamentary elections in December 2012. With the results now out and the president inaugurated, we consider here some key questions surrounding the polls.

Domestic Politics 2

On The Ground: The Post-Election Environment

- Our analyst in Accra spoke to a range of businesses following the December 2012 elections and found that sentiment was positive, with the vast majority viewing the political environment favourably. However, there was some concern regarding infrastructure and the potential removal of fuel subsidies.

Long-Term Political Outlook

Oil To Prove A Critical Test For The Polity

- Ghana's political risk profile is relatively favourable, especially in the context of West Africa. However, oil revenues will require careful management, presenting a formidable test for the government over the coming decade. 11

TABLE: POLITICAL OVERVIEW

Chapter 2: Economic Outlook

SWOT Analysis

BMI Economic Risk Ratings

Economic Activity

Upbeat Growth Forecasts Maintained, Despite Weak Data

- Although the official data on real GDP growth show a sharp slowdown in 2012, we nevertheless maintain our positive view on Ghana, given that a number of other sources point to buoyant economic activity. We forecast that Ghana will remain a regional and global outperformer thanks to the oil boom, with the economy growing by 8. 6% in 2013 and 9.2% in 2014 in real terms

TABLE: ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

Monetary policy

Rates To Remain On Hold Despite Upside Risk To Inflation

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View Full Table of Contents



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