Impact of Trade Liberalisation on Economic Growth in Ghana

B.Sc. Abraham Dennis Nyarkoh, BSc

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This study focuses on how Ghana's economic performance has been affected by liberalising trade from 2000-2022, a time characterised by structural reform and increased global integration. More specifically, it examines whether increased trade openness has produced an increase in Ghana's GDP over the long run through a quantitative time series method. To explore this question, data for GDP, trade openness, FDI, inflation rates, interest rates, population growth, and exchange rates was compiled from 2000 to 2022. The data were analysed descriptively and econometrically to examine trends and relationships over time. The results indicate that trade liberalisation has a moderately positive effect on GDP; however, this relationship is not constant over time and is affected by other factors including FDI volatility, currency depreciation and inflation. Overall, trade liberalisation is a contributing factor to economic growth; however, there are other contributing factors, such as macroeconomic stability, that must be present for trade to have its maximum possible impact on an economy.

Keywords

Economic Growth, Globalization, Trade Liberalization

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 2. 4. 2026

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 3. 6. 2026
• Supervisor: doc. RNDr. František Mošna, Ph.D.
• Reader: Lucie Loukotová, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Master programme:
International Trade and Business