INTRODUCTION

This analysis looks at the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy and society of Ghana, especially how

the government has responded and the impacts of these public health and social measures (PHSMs)

on individuals, households and businesses. This study is part of a five-country study on the impacts of

COVID-19 on the natural resources sector, economy and larger society in Anglophone West African

being undertaken by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) and funded by the Ford

Foundation-Nigeria Office. Apart from Ghana, the other West African countries are: Liberia, Sierra

Leone, The Gambia and Nigeria. This document is structured as follows: Part one is this introduction

while part two examines the importance of natural resources in the economy of Ghana, especially

contribution to jobs, revenue and GDP as well as its negative effects including social and

environmental impacts. Part three looks at the COVID-19 impacts on the economy and society

including government response using fiscal and monetary measures. Part four takes up the impacts

on labour and labour markets in terms of employment, safety and community livelihoods. Part five

examines the impact of COVID-19 on the natural resources sector, given that Ghana depends largely

on natural resources for food, energy, exports and jobs. Part six discusses the implication of COVID-

19 on illicit financial flows, especially from the natural resources sector. Part seven discussions if

COVID-19 and its impacts have given government, its development partners and citizen to rethink the

strategic role of natural resources in the economy and society and whether this is an opportunity for

serious reflection or it will be business as usual or even worse, little gains made in converting natural

resources to lasting benefits to society will be reversed. Part eight examines government and

mining/petroleum companies conduct in the face of COVID-19 and impacts on community livelihoods

and the environment. Part nine looks at current mitigation as well as required measures to protect

lives and the economy. Part ten concludes and makes specific recommendations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of

International Concern on 30 January 2020. Africa experienced its first case on 14 February, in Egypt,

and COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic on 12th March. Two months later the disease had

spread to every country in Africa, mostly entering capital cities through international flights from

Europe and spreading from there through community transmission (Cilliers, et al, 2020).

COVID-19 has hit all nations with unprecedented consequences for households, businesses and

communities. These impacts, however, depend on the vulnerability of the individuals, household,

community and nation, especially initial asset holding, access to internal and external support and

government social development and social protection programmes.

Most Governments are taking unprecedented measures characterised by unanticipated