Ghana’s import landscape in 2024 was shaped by fuel, industrial machinery, and agricultural products, with ten key commodities accounting for 33.4% of total imports, according to the latest Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Trade Report.
Among the notable imports was an unusual entry: guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals (excluding fish), which ranked ninth on the list with an import value of GH₵2.69 billion, representing 1.1% of total imports.
This inclusion highlights the growing demand for animal by-products, potentially driven by Ghana’s meat processing, pharmaceutical, and pet food industries.
| # | Import Item | Value (GH₵ Billion) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diesel – Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) for TOR | 28.93 | 11.6 |
| 2 | Light oils, motor spirit, super | 24.12 | 9.6 |
| 3 | Self-propelled bulldozers with 360° revolving superstructure | 6.20 | 2.5 |
| 4 | Cement clinker | 4.83 | 1.9 |
| 5 | Used vehicles (1,500cc–3,000cc) | 4.20 | 1.7 |
| 6 | Cereal grains, worked but not rolled or flaked | 3.37 | 1.3 |
| 7 | Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude | 3.34 | 1.3 |
| 8 | Medium oils, Kerosene-type jet fuel (ATK) | 3.16 | 1.3 |
| 9 | Guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals (excluding fish) | 2.69 | 1.1 |
| 10 | Herbicides, anti-sprouting products, and plant-growth regulators | 2.61 | 1.0 |
Ghana’s Trade Surplus Strengthens Economic Outlook
Despite the substantial import bill, Ghana’s total exports surged to GH₵294.9 billion, outpacing imports of GH₵250.2 billion and resulting in a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion.
This marks a significant improvement from the previous year, attributed to robust performances in gold, petroleum, and cocoa exports.
The 2024 Annual Trade Report also highlights Ghana’s growing trade relations within Africa, as exports to the continent nearly doubled in comparison to imports.
Analysts link this development to Ghana’s strategic role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boosting intra-African commerce.
In the final quarter of 2024, Ghana recorded a GH₵20.5 billion trade surplus, a notable increase from GH₵6.1 billion in Q4 2023, as exports reached GH₵92.9 billion against imports of GH₵72.4 billion.
While fuel and industrial equipment continue to dominate Ghana’s import list, the inclusion of animal by-products underscores the evolving nature of trade demands.
As the country’s export strength grows, Ghana appears poised for a positive economic trajectory heading into 2025.
