Informal livestock imports rise to GH¢305.6m
Ghana’s informal imports of livestock and food products rose to GH¢305.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, nearly twice the value of informal exports, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
The findings highlight the crucial yet under-recognised role of informal trade in sustaining livelihoods and ensuring national food security.
The report, part of Ghana’s first National Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) assessment, reveals that livestock imports, mainly cattle, sheep and goats, formed the backbone of informal trade, valued at GHS305.6 million compared to exports of GHS177 million.
These flows are particularly vital for northern and middle-belt economies, where they stabilise food prices and support thousands of households.
“Informal livestock trade is not a marginal activity; it’s the backbone of meat supply in northern Ghana. Without these flows, urban food prices would be far less stable and rural livelihoods would be severely impacted,” said Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, at the report’s launch in Accra.
The study found that informal livestock movements, especially between Ghana, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, remain deeply rooted in long-standing community trading traditions. These trades often bypass formal customs checks due to limited veterinary facilities, weak border infrastructure and inadequate transport networks.
Despite being unregulated, the trade supports a vibrant ecosystem of herders, brokers and transporters operating along the Ghana–Burkina Faso corridor.
Beyond livestock, food commodities dominated informal trade, accounting for 49.5 per cent of imports and 41 per cent of exports. These include staples such as cereals, vegetables and processed foods, which flow freely across borders to meet consumer demand.
The GSS noted that such informal exchanges enhance food availability and affordability, particularly for low-income consumers.
However, these activities also contribute to lost tax revenue and data gaps in Ghana’s national trade statistics.
The GSS identified persistent challenges facing informal traders, including poor road access, lack of border infrastructure, limited veterinary inspections and constrained access to credit.
Dr Iddrisu emphasised that with the right policies, Ghana can transform informal trade into an engine for inclusive growth.
“If we formalise livestock and food flows, Ghana can link small herders and farmers to structured value chains, from abattoirs to packaging industries. That’s inclusive growth in action,” he stated.
