Ghana’s merchandise exports surpass imports after two decades of trade imbalances 

Ghana's merchandise exports have surpassed imports for the first time in nearly two decades, a new report by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has indicated.

The report, Ghana's Merchandise Trade Statistics 2004–2025: Two Decades in Review, showed exports accounted for 61.3 per cent of total trade in 2025, compared with 32.1 per cent in 2004.

Imports, which made up 67.9 per cent of trade in 2004, declined to 38.7 per cent in 2025.

Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician, said the country sold more goods to the world than it purchased in only seven out of the 21 years under review.

He noted that a turning point came in 2023, when Ghana returned to a trade surplus and has remained in positive territory since then.

The report indicated Ghana recorded a trade surplus of GHS 5.3 billion in 2023, which rose to GHS 44.7 billion in 2024 and reached a record GHS 148.3 billion in 2025.

Total merchandise exports increased from US$1.93 billion in 2004 to US$32 billion in 2025, while imports grew from US$4.09 billion to US$20.5 billion over the same period.

Overall trade expanded from US$6 billion in 2004 to US$52.5 billion in 2025.

Dr Iddrisu said the improvement in Ghana's trade balance had strengthened the country's position in international trade and helped increase foreign exchange earnings.

He cautioned, however, that sustaining the gains would require broader export diversification and increased value addition to local products.

The report identified gold as Ghana's leading export commodity, accounting for 63.1 per cent of total exports in 2025.

It recommended greater investment in processing industries, support for non‑traditional exports and measures to improve the participation of small and medium enterprises in export markets.

GNA