The impact of COVID-19 on Ghana's economic performance within the context of sustainable development

BcA. Ernest Boadu

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Ghana’s macroeconomy within a sustainable-development lens. It focuses on pandemic variables—confirmed cases, deaths, and lockdown measures—and their effects on GDP growth, unemployment, and inflation, while also considering implications for selected SDGs. Using annual time-series data (2000–2023) from the World Bank and other reliable sources, the analysis combines descriptive trend assessment with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) modelling in GRETL. A correlation matrix screens for multicollinearity; White’s test, the LM test, and the Jarque-Bera test validate variance, serial independence, and normality; and a Chow test probes structural breaks around 2020. The results reveal adverse macroeconomic effects: infection surges, lower GDP growth, higher unemployment, and upward price pressures. These disruptions threaten progress on SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Health), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 9 (Innovation). The study underscores the need for resilient macroeconomic policies, targeted innovation and R&D support, and inclusive recovery strategies to safeguard long-term development goals and prepare for future systemic shocks.

Keywords

Ghana, Sustainable development, Economic performance

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 26. 11. 2025

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 3. 2. 2026
• Vedoucí: Mgr. Elena Kuzmenko, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Svetlana Loktionova, externi

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Provozně ekonomická fakulta

Magisterský studijní program:
Economics and Management