Ghana’s export sector witnessed significant growth in 2024, with total exports reaching GH₵294.9 billion, far exceeding imports of GH₵250.2 billion.
This resulted in a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion, according to the latest Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Trade Report.
The report highlights that gold, petroleum, and cocoa remained Ghana’s dominant export commodities, collectively accounting for 78.2% of total export revenue.
Gold bullion led the pack, generating an impressive GH₵163.0 billion and contributing 55.3% of the total exports.
Crude petroleum oils followed, bringing in GH₵52.6 billion (17.8%).
Meanwhile, cocoa—Ghana’s signature agricultural export—secured GH₵21.5 billion (8.4%) from the sale of cocoa beans and cocoa paste.
Top 10 Exports from Ghana in 2024
1. Gold bullion – GH₵162.99 billion (55.3%)
2. Crude petroleum oils – GH₵52.58 billion (17.8%)
3. Cocoa beans (superior quality raw beans) – GH₵14.95 billion (5.1%)
4. Cocoa paste (not defatted) – GH₵6.60 billion (2.2%)
5. Manganese ores and concentrates – GH₵3.43 billion (1.2%)
6. Natural cocoa butter – GH₵3.18 billion (1.1%)
7. Cashew nuts (in shell) – GH₵2.65 billion (0.9%)
8. Tuna, skipjack, and Atlantic bonito (prepared or preserved, not minced) – GH₵2.23 billion (0.8%)
9. Iron/Steel (hot rolled, irregular coils, not further forged) – GH₵1.93 billion (0.7%)
10. Shea (karite) oil and fractions, crude – GH₵1.93 billion (0.7%)
This strong export performance underscores Ghana’s reliance on natural resources and key agricultural products to drive economic growth. Analysts remain optimistic that stable global demand for these commodities will sustain the momentum in the coming years.
