Yam Export ‘Boom’ Exposes Data Gaps
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
A surge in Ghana’s yam export figures for 2025 has uncovered a deeper structural issue within the country’s trade reporting systems, with new data showing that years of underreporting had significantly masked the true scale of exports.
At face value, yam exports recorded an extraordinary 559.29 per cent increase in value between 2024 and 2025. However, the spike was not primarily driven by a sudden jump in production or demand, but rather by a comprehensive data reconciliation exercise led by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in collaboration with the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE).
The exercise involved comparing exporter declarations with records captured in the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), and it revealed widespread inconsistencies that had resulted in years of understated export values.
Two major factors were identified as the root cause of the discrepancies.
First, under-invoicing by exporters was found to be widespread. Due to the highly perishable nature of yams, exporters often declared lower values on Letters of Commitment (LOCs) as a risk-management strategy. This practice, though non-compliant, was intended to avoid delays, penalties, and bureaucratic bottlenecks that could lead to spoilage and financial losses during shipment.
Second, the reconciliation exposed systemic misalignment between customs data and actual export records. In many cases, volumes and values recorded in ICUMS did not accurately reflect what was physically shipped, creating persistent gaps between official trade statistics and real market activity.
By aligning these datasets, GEPA and FAGE were able to correct the distortions, revealing that Ghana’s yam exports had been significantly higher than previously reported. The revised figures not only explain the sharp increase recorded in 2025 but also highlight the critical role of data integrity in shaping economic narratives.
The implications extend far beyond the yam sector. Accurate export data is essential for effective policymaking, market intelligence, and maintaining international credibility. Weak data systems, particularly in the trade of perishable agricultural commodities, can distort investment decisions and undermine competitiveness.
The findings have therefore exposed both a challenge and an opportunity—highlighting the urgent need to strengthen coordination between customs systems and exporter documentation, while building a more transparent and reliable export reporting framework.
Beyond yams, Ghana’s broader agricultural export sector posted strong and diversified growth in 2025. Shea nut exports more than doubled, driven by robust global demand and policy signals such as the anticipated restriction on raw exports. Banana exports expanded by 27 per cent, supported by improved infrastructure and sustained access to European markets.
Fresh and chilled tuna exports grew by 7 per cent, benefiting from tighter enforcement against illegal fishing and improved cold-chain logistics. Meanwhile, non-traditional exports such as medicinal plants surged by 215 per cent, reflecting rising global demand for natural inputs in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Seafood exports also recorded significant gains, with cuttlefish and squid exports jumping by 390 per cent, while flower exports rose by 34 per cent, supported by improved horticultural practices and proximity to key European markets. Live animal exports more than doubled, increasing by 105 per cent, largely driven by cross-border trade with neighbouring countries.
Overall, while Ghana’s export performance in 2025 underscores a resilient and diversifying agricultural sector, the yam export story stands out as a powerful reminder that strong data systems are just as critical as production in driving sustainable economic growth.
