Country guide · GHS (GH₵)
20 business ideas in Ghana
TL;DR
Ghana’s small business scene runs on mobile money, markets, food, fashion and agriculture. MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash and bank apps make payment easy, so you can start with GH₵1,000 to GH₵30,000 and sell through WhatsApp, Instagram and busy markets in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi.
The market in Ghana
Ghana is politically stable by regional standards and has a strong tradition of market trading. Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi have large open markets, and street vendors and small shops sell food, fabric, phones and household goods. Mobile money is widely used: MTN Mobile Money, Telecel Cash (formerly Vodafone Cash) and AirtelTigo Money let people pay bills, send money and buy goods, and the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems network connects wallets to banks.
Agriculture matters a great deal. Cocoa is the best-known export, and cassava, yam, plantain, maize, rice, tomatoes, pineapple and shea support processing and trading businesses. Fresh produce and processed foods such as shito, gari, kenkey, groundnut paste and shea butter sell locally and to Ghanaians abroad. Fisheries along the coast supply markets, and smoked fish and fresh fish retail are common small trades.
Power and internet are good in the main cities but interruptions in electricity, known as dumsor, have occurred and made backup power a normal expense. Mobile data is widely available, so phone-based businesses and online services work well. Remittances from Ghanaians in the United Kingdom, United States and Europe support family spending, building and small shops, and a growing returnee community buys land, accommodation and services.
Tourism, cultural events and festivals, from Detty December to Chale Wote, support event and hospitality businesses. Kente, adinkra and beadwork add a creative angle for craft and fashion makers.
Best businesses to start in Ghana
01Packaged shito, spices and local sauces
GH₵2,000–GH₵20,000Shito, pepper sauces and spice blends are staples at home and among Ghanaians overseas. Package with a clear label, register with the Food and Drugs Authority when needed and sell through markets, supermarkets and Instagram.
Full launch plan →02Waakye, kenkey and local food stall
GH₵3,000–GH₵25,000Waakye, banku, kenkey and fried plantain with fish sell every day, especially at breakfast and lunch. A stall near offices, schools or lorry stations needs a good cook, clean prep and a reliable supply of gas and water.
Full launch plan →03Fashion design and kente tailoring
GH₵3,000–GH₵30,000Ghanaians dress up for weddings, funerals and church, and tailors and seamstresses are always busy. Custom kente, ankara and kaba-and-slit pieces sell well, and Instagram helps you reach overseas customers.
04Shea butter and natural skincare
GH₵2,500–GH₵20,000Shea butter, black soap and coconut oil are widely used, and northern producers supply raw material. A small brand that blends and packages products can sell locally and to the diaspora online.
Full launch plan →05Mobile money agent and bill payments
GH₵3,000–GH₵30,000Agents earn commission on cash-in, cash-out and bill payments. Foot traffic, secure float and a registered business are important.
06Hair salon, braiding and wig business
GH₵2,000–GH₵25,000Braiding, wigs and hair treatments are in constant demand. A salon in a residential area or a mobile stylist can fill her calendar through Instagram and referrals.
Full launch plan →07Event rentals for weddings and funerals
GH₵10,000–GH₵70,000Canopies, chairs, sound and decor are rented almost every weekend for outdoor events. Start with a small stock and keep detailed bookings to avoid clashes.
Full launch plan →08Poultry, eggs and fish farming
GH₵5,000–GH₵60,000Eggs, chicken and tilapia are in constant demand from households and food vendors. A small farm needs water, feed, vaccination and a plan for selling.
09Online reselling of phones and accessories
GH₵5,000–GH₵40,000Smartphones, earbuds and chargers are popular, and many buyers prefer WhatsApp or Instagram sellers they trust. Source from Accra’s electronics markets and offer warranties.
Full launch plan →10Dropshipping and exporting crafts
GH₵3,000–GH₵30,000Beads, baskets, kente and wood carvings are loved abroad. A seller can ship from artisans at Aburi, Bolgatanga and Kumasi’s Centre for National Culture to buyers online.
11Laundry and dry-cleaning service
GH₵6,000–GH₵50,000Urban professionals and students have little time for washing. Pickup and delivery, plus a small shop with commercial machines, can build monthly customers.
Full launch plan →12Smartphone photography and videography
GH₵4,000–GH₵30,000Weddings, outdooring ceremonies, graduations and festivals need photographers. A phone gimbal, a camera and editing skills are enough to get started and build a portfolio.
Full launch plan →13Catering and small chops
GH₵3,000–GH₵25,000Meetings, naming ceremonies and parties require jollof, kebabs, spring rolls and drinks. Pre-order systems and event packages keep your cooking schedule manageable.
Full launch plan →14Online tutoring and BECE and WASSCE preparation
GH₵500–GH₵8,000Parents pay for tutors who prepare students for BECE and WASSCE. Small home classes, online sessions and holiday programmes can make a good business for teachers.
Full launch plan →15Delivery rider service
GH₵6,000–GH₵40,000Online sellers and restaurants need riders who can deliver fast in Accra’s traffic. Motorbikes and a simple dispatch group on WhatsApp can start a business.
Full launch plan →16Pure water and bottled water production
GH₵20,000–GH₵150,000Sachet and bottled water are bought daily in markets, schools and offices. The business requires proper treatment, packaging and certification from the Ghana Standards Authority and the Food and Drugs Authority.
17Short-let apartment hosting
GH₵5,000–GH₵40,000Visiting Ghanaians, tourists and business travellers book furnished apartments in Accra. Co-hosting or renting and subletting calls for cleaning, photos and guest messaging.
Full launch plan →18Printing and branding of T-shirts
GH₵6,000–GH₵40,000Churches, schools, families and campaigns order printed shirts, caps and banners in bulk. A heat-press setup can handle small and medium orders.
Full launch plan →19Freelance design and social media services
GH₵1,500–GH₵10,000Small shops and online sellers need posters, logos and regular posts. Design on a laptop with Canva or Figma and be paid by mobile money or bank transfer.
Full launch plan →20Plantain chips and cassava-based snacks
GH₵2,000–GH₵20,000Plantain chips, kokonte products and tigernut drinks sell in markets, schools and supermarkets. Proper packaging and shelf life testing are crucial for scaling.
Full launch plan →
How to start a business in Ghana
- 1
Pick a business form
Sole proprietorships and partnerships are common for small traders, while companies limited by shares suit larger plans. Choose according to how many owners you have and how much risk you want to separate from personal assets.
- 2
Register with the Registrar of Companies
Businesses register with the Office of the Registrar of Companies. Confirm the current online process, name search and fees on its website.
- 3
Register for tax
Get a Tax Identification Number through the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and ask about VAT, income tax and any simplified regimes for small traders. A local accountant can explain which apply to your turnover.
- 4
Apply for district and sector permits
Many businesses need an operating permit from their Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly. Food, drugs, cosmetics and water products need approval from the Food and Drugs Authority or the Ghana Standards Authority.
- 5
Open a bank or mobile money business account
Use a business bank account, or a merchant mobile money account, to receive payments and separate personal funds. Ask your provider about merchant fees.
- 6
Register with SSNIT if you hire
Employers register with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for pension contributions. Check current requirements before you hire your first worker.
- 7
Plan around power cuts
Budget for a generator, inverter or solar power if your business depends on freezers, machines or computers. Keep important files backed up in the cloud.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Fees, forms and requirements change — confirm with the official agencies named above before you file. Updated 2026-10-20.
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Frequently asked questions
What business can I start in Ghana with GH₵1,000?
With GH₵1,000 you can start a small food stall, a mobile snack business, online reselling, a graphic design service or tutoring. Use mobile money to take payments and reinvest your first profits.
What are the best small business ideas in Ghana?
Local food, fashion, beauty products, event rentals, farming and mobile money services are common choices. Markets and social media give you quick access to customers.
How do I register a business in Ghana?
Register with the Registrar of Companies, then get a TIN from the GRA and apply for a district operating permit. Confirm current steps and fees with each agency before applying.
How do I accept MoMo payments for my business?
Apply for a merchant MoMo account through your mobile operator or a bank, and display your merchant number or QR code. Ask the provider about registration documents and fees.
Is agriculture a good business to start in Ghana?
It can be, particularly where you add value through processing and packaging. Learn the seasons, secure reliable buyers and plan for storage, since prices of fresh produce swing across the year.
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