Ghana Records GH¢148.3bn Trade Surplus in 2025
Ghana recorded a trade surplus of GH¢148.3 billion in 2025, more than three times the figure recorded in 2024, according to the Ghana Statistical Service.
The 2025 Annual International Merchandise Trade Statistics Report indicates that Ghana’s total trade with the rest of the world amounted to GH¢654.7 billion, equivalent to US$52.5 billion.
Presenting highlights of the report, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu said exports totalled GH¢401.5 billion, while imports stood at GH¢253.2 billion, resulting in the significant trade surplus.
The GH¢148.3 billion surplus represents a major increase from the GH¢44.7 billion recorded in 2024, with the strong performance largely driven by higher earnings from gold, cocoa and petroleum exports.
Dr. Iddrisu said Ghana recorded higher exports than imports in every month of 2025, with December registering the highest trade activity. Exports for the month reached GH¢46 billion, resulting in a monthly trade surplus of GH¢25.8 billion.
Gold remained Ghana’s leading export commodity, generating GH¢252.4 billion and accounting for nearly 63% of total exports. Cocoa beans and cocoa products contributed GH¢56.2 billion, while crude petroleum generated GH¢35.3 billion.
Together, gold, cocoa and petroleum accounted for nearly 86% of Ghana’s export earnings, highlighting the country’s continued dependence on a few major commodities.
On the import side, diesel was the largest imported product, valued at GH¢28.4 billion, followed by petrol imports worth GH¢23.2 billion. Other major imports included vehicles, machinery, cement clinkers, rice and other food products.
The report also showed that Ghana expanded its global trade reach in 2025, importing from 216 countries and exporting to 163 countries.
Asia remained Ghana’s largest trading partner, with the United Arab Emirates, India, Switzerland, South Africa and China emerging as key export destinations. China maintained its position as Ghana’s largest source of imports, supplying machinery, vehicles, iron and steel products, plastics and chemicals.
The data further revealed stronger intra-African trade, with Ghana recording a GH¢34.7 billion trade surplus with countries on the continent after exporting to 51 African countries and importing from 55.
