Ghana’s export sector experienced remarkable growth in 2024, with total exports soaring to GH₵294.9 billion, significantly surpassing 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, crude oil, and cocoa dominated Ghana’s exports, collectively contributing 78.2% of total export revenue.
Gold bullion remained Ghana’s top export, generating an impressive GH₵162.99 billion and accounting for 55.3% of total exports. Crude petroleum followed with GH₵52.58 billion, representing 17.8% of export earnings.
Meanwhile, cocoa, an economic staple, also played a key role, with cocoa beans and cocoa paste bringing in GH₵21.55 billion, making up 8.4% of total export revenue.
This strong performance underscores Ghana’s continued reliance on its key commodities to drive economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.
| Rank | Export Item | Value (GH₵ Billion) | Percentage Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gold bullion | 162.99 | 55.3 |
| 2 | Crude petroleum oils | 52.58 | 17.8 |
| 3 | Cocoa beans (superior quality raw beans) | 14.95 | 5.1 |
| 4 | Cocoa paste (not defatted) | 6.60 | 2.2 |
| 5 | Manganese ores and concentrates | 3.43 | 1.2 |
| 6 | Natural cocoa butter | 3.18 | 1.1 |
| 7 | Cashew nuts (in shell) | 2.65 | 0.9 |
| 8 | Tuna, skipjack, and Atlantic bonito (prepared/preserved, not minced) | 2.23 | 0.8 |
| 9 | Iron/Steel (h/r, irregular coils, not further forged) | 1.93 | 0.7 |
| 10 | Shea (karite) oil and fractions, crude | 1.93 | 0.7 |
Ghana’s strong export performance highlights the resilience of its commodities market and the country’s continued dependence on gold, crude oil, and cocoa as key revenue drivers.
With a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion, economic analysts remain optimistic about the sector’s growth, citing stable global demand for these essential exports as a driving force for sustained success.
