Ghana’s export sector experienced significant growth in 2024, with total exports amounting to GH₵294.9 billion. This exceeded the country’s import bill of GH₵250.2 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion, as highlighted in the latest Trade Report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

Gold, petroleum, and cocoa remained Ghana’s dominant export commodities, collectively accounting for 78.2% of total export revenue. Gold bullion led the way, generating GH₵162.99 billion and representing 55.3% of total exports.

Crude petroleum oils followed with earnings of GH₵52.58 billion, contributing 17.8% to the country’s export revenue. Cocoa products, including beans and paste, brought in GH₵21.55 billion, making up 8.4% of total export earnings.

Beyond these top three exports, other notable contributors included manganese ores, natural cocoa butter, cashew nuts, processed tuna, iron/steel, and shea oil.

The trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion signals the strength of Ghana’s export-driven economy. Analysts remain optimistic about the sector’s continued expansion, fueled by stable global demand for gold, crude oil, and cocoa.

RankExport ItemValue (GH₵ Billion)Percentage Share (%)1Gold bullion162.9955.32Crude petroleum oils52.5817.83Cocoa beans (superior quality raw beans)14.955.14Cocoa paste (not defatted)6.602.25Manganese ores and concentrates3.431.26Natural cocoa butter3.181.17Cashew nuts (in shell)2.650.98Tuna, skipjack, and Atlantic bonito (prepared/preserved, not minced)2.230.89Iron/Steel (h/r, irregular coils, not further forged)1.930.710Shea (karite) oil and fractions, crude1.930.7