Ghana imported mangoes worth GH¢96 million from Burkina Faso in 2024, according to the latest Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Trade Report. The report highlights the country’s key imports and overall trade performance for the year.
Fuel and Machinery Lead Ghana’s Imports
The report shows that Ghana’s import landscape was dominated by fuel, machinery, and agricultural products. The top ten imported goods accounted for 33.4% of total imports. Diesel (Automotive Gas Oil – AGO) for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) was the most significant import, amounting to GH₵28.9 billion, making up 11.6% of total imports. Light oils and motor spirit (super) followed closely, with imports valued at GH₵24.1 billion (9.6%).
Other notable imports included self-propelled bulldozers, cement clinker, and used vehicles with engine capacities between 1,500cc and 3,000cc.
Top 10 Imports in 2024
1. Diesel (AGO) for TOR– GH₵28.93 billion (11.6%)
2. Light oils and motor spirit (super)– GH₵24.12 billion (9.6%)
3. Self-propelled bulldozers– GH₵6.20 billion (2.5%)
4. Cement clinker– GH₵4.83 billion (1.9%)
5. Used vehicles (1,500cc–3,000cc)– GH₵4.20 billion (1.7%)
6. Cereal grains (processed but not rolled or flaked)– GH₵3.37 billion (1.3%)
7. Crude petroleum oils– GH₵3.34 billion (1.3%)
8. Medium oils, kerosene-type jet fuel (ATK)– GH₵3.16 billion (1.3%)
9. Animal guts, bladders, and stomachs (excluding fish)– GH₵2.69 billion (1.1%)
10. Herbicides and plant-growth regulators– GH₵2.61 billion (1.0%)
Ghana’s Trade Surplus Strengthens Economy
Despite high imports, Ghana’s export performance remained strong. Total exports reached GH₵294.9 billion, surpassing imports of GH₵250.2 billion. This resulted in a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion, a significant improvement from the previous year.
Experts attribute this positive trade balance to strong gold, petroleum, and cocoa exports. Ghana’s role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) also contributed to an increase in trade with other African nations.
In the final quarter of 2024, Ghana recorded a GH₵20.5 billion trade surplus, up from GH₵6.1 billion in the same period in 2023. Exports for the quarter stood at GH₵92.9 billion, while imports totaled GH₵72.4 billion.
Economic Outlook for 2025
While fuel and machinery continue to dominate Ghana’s imports, the country’s increasing export strength indicates a positive economic outlook for 2025. The trade surplus suggests that Ghana’s economy is growing, with a stronger focus on boosting exports and reducing reliance on imported goods.
