Ghana pushes export diversification at launch of 2025 Non-Traditional Export Statistics
Ghana has renewed its push to grow non-traditional exports as government and industry leaders gathered for the launch of the 2025 Non-Traditional Export Statistics report.
The event brought together policymakers, exporters, and investors to assess the country’s export performance and outline steps to strengthen the sector.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, said Ghana is making steady progress but must do more to compete globally.
According to her, the Ghana National Plan for Non-Traditional Exports recorded an average annual growth of 6.7% between 2020 and 2024, contributing 18.75% of total merchandise exports. Commodity exports still dominate, making up over 80% of earnings.
She noted that cocoa paste remains Ghana’s top non-traditional export product, recording a strong 35.5% growth in 2024 due to high demand from Europe and North America. Industrial arts and crafts also saw close to 33% growth, showing rising interest in locally made products.
However, she pointed out that many businesses still struggle to meet international standards, access financing, and deal with export logistics. These challenges, she said, limit Ghanaian exporters from fully taking advantage of global markets.
She stressed that solving these issues will require coordinated efforts, not isolated actions.
Highlighting government interventions, she mentioned the 24-hour economy programme, which was launched in March 2025 and is expected to create about 500,000 jobs. She also spoke about key industrial projects including the Volta Economic Corridor industrial park, the Legon Pharmaceutical and Innovation Park, the Kumasi Machinery and Technology Park, and the Tamale Air Cargo and Logistics Hub.
Other initiatives include the One District Development Hub, which offers loans at reduced interest rates to support businesses, especially women entrepreneurs. Infrastructure improvements under the “Big Push” programme and the expansion of Tema Port are also expected to reduce the cost of doing business and improve export efficiency.
She added that the Tema Port expansion has positioned Ghana as a major logistics hub in West Africa, with faster turnaround times and improved services for exporters.
On her part, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said Ghana must reduce its dependence on traditional exports like gold, crude oil, and cocoa, which accounted for over 70% of export earnings as of 2023.
She described non-traditional exports as key to economic transformation, noting that they create jobs, support value addition, and increase foreign exchange earnings.
The 2025 report shows that non-traditional exports now account for about 60% of total merchandise exports, with Africa contributing over 30% of earnings. The ECOWAS region remains Ghana’s largest market, highlighting opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Despite this progress, the Minister said access to markets alone is not enough. Businesses must be able to produce consistently, meet quality standards, access financing, and move goods efficiently.
She explained that government is working closely with institutions such as the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Export-Import Bank, and the Ghana Standards Authority to address these challenges. Key focus areas include agro-processing, industrial competitiveness, market access, and regulatory reforms.
She also emphasized the importance of linking agriculture to industry through programmes like “Feed the Industry,” which aims to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for manufacturers.
Both speakers called on financial institutions to design flexible funding solutions for exporters, especially those in the informal sector, which employs a large part of Ghana’s workforce.
They also urged exporters, manufacturers, and development partners to take advantage of available opportunities and play their roles in expanding Ghana’s export base.
The report is expected to guide policy decisions, attract investment, and help businesses identify new markets and opportunities.
Government says with the right support and coordination, Ghana has the potential to become a strong non-traditional export hub in Africa.
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