Renowned economist Professor Stephen Adei has raised significant concerns regarding the productivity levels of Ghanaian workers in a recent comparative analysis. According to Adei, Ghanaian workers rank among the least productive globally, trailing notably behind their counterparts in Togo.

In a comparative study assessing the productivity levels of Ghanaian and Togolese workers, Professor Adei highlighted a stark contrast in work quality, with Togolese workers demonstrating superior performance. Adei’s research findings underscored a prevailing preference among employers for Togolese workers due to their higher productivity levels.

“The Ghanaian worker is one of the least productive workers in the world when they are in Ghana,” stated Professor Adei during his analysis.

“In fact, was it ten years ago the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences asked me to give a lecture on productivity in Ghana and I found that in Africa given the same conditions, qualifications, and everything else, the Ghanaian worker was among the least productive worker in Africa.”
Prof Stephen Adei

His study shed light on the construction sector, where Togolese workers exhibited notably higher productivity levels compared to their Ghanaian counterparts. “Their productivity is far superior to Ghanaian workers … Masons, electricians, tailors, and often people think they are Ghanaians because they speak Ewe, but they are not Ghanaians,” Adei emphasized.

Possible Causes of Productivity Disparity

The issue of low productivity among Ghanaian workers raised questions and prompted further investigation into its underlying causes. In this context, a comprehensive World Bank report titled “Global Productivity: Trends, Drivers, and Policies” offers insights into potential factors contributing to productivity differentials among nations.

According to the report, long-term labor productivity growth is closely linked to factors such as innovation, education, and investment in physical capital. Innovation, particularly in the form of technological advancements, plays a pivotal role in driving productivity growth over time.

The report affirmed that “growth relies on innovation” and the introduction of new products and processes through research and development.

“The role of research and development (R&D) activity in EMDEs differs compared to countries already at the technological frontier. New patents, one measure of R&D outcomes, tend to be more closely associated with productivity growth in countries with highly educated and skilled workers. But even when human capital is less developed, improvements in productivity can be achieved, albeit slowly.”
Global Productivity: Trends, Drivers, and Policies

Macroeconomic stability was another deciding factor in the report. Countries with “low inflation and a low black-market exchange rate premium,” tend to experience higher workplace productivity. Comparing Ghana’s inflation rate of 23.5% in January 2024 and Togo’s 2% that same period explains why Ghanaian workers are less productive.

Additionally, “Uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment can deter investment and hinder productivity growth.”

“The quality of the labor force emerges as another crucial factor,” the report emphasizes. “The productivity of an economy depends partly on the quality of its labor force.” Education plays a pivotal role in enhancing skills and adaptability to new technologies. However, ensuring a sufficiently educated and skilled labor force remains a challenge for Ghana, potentially impeding productivity gains.

The report stated that “good management can improve the efficiency of production.”

It emphasized, “The best managerial practices include setting clear targets, monitoring progress, and rewarding performance.” Incentives for team production, cross-training, work experience, and frequent employee-manager communication can also raise firm productivity

Professor Adei’s comparative study underscored the importance of addressing the productivity gap between Ghanaian and Togolese workers. Drawing on insights from the World Bank report, policymakers and stakeholders are urged to prioritize measures that promote innovation, enhance education and skills development, and encourage investment in physical and human capital.