Formalising the informal sector in Ghana

Working paper 20 Jan 2026 Firms, Trade and Sustainable Growth

This study reports results from a randomised experiment in Ghana testing whether logistical support, fee waivers, or information can encourage informal firms to formalise. Only logistical support increased registration rates, mainly among male-owned and better-educated businesses, with limited effects on firm performance.Patrick Opoku Asuming

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Formalising the informal sector in Ghana

Authors

Patrick Asuming

James Dzansi

Henry Telli

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Authors

Patrick Asuming

James Dzansi

Henry Telli

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