The Ghana Statistical Service reported that Ghana’s top imports in 2024 are dominated by diesel, machinery, and agricultural products. Notably, imports of used vehicles ranked fifth and guts of animals were included in the top 10. Ghana continues to maintain a trade surplus despite high import costs, indicating a robust export market led by gold and petroleum.
In 2024, Ghana’s imports were primarily dominated by diesel, machinery, and agricultural products, with unexpected items like animal guts included in the list. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Trade Report highlighted that used vehicles, specifically those between 1,500cc and 3,000cc, ranked fifth among imports, valued at GH₵4.2 billion, which is 1.7% of the total imports. Surprisingly, the import of guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals (excluding fish) also emerged in the top 10, with a value of GH₵2.69 billion (1.1%).
The leading import was diesel (Automotive Gas Oil – AGO) for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), with a substantial import value of GH₵28.93 billion, making up 11.6% of total imports. This was trailed by light oils and motor spirit (super), valued at GH₵24.12 billion (9.6%). Other notable imports included self-propelled bulldozers, cement clinker, and herbicides.
Despite a high import bill, Ghana achieved a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion, with total exports reaching GH₵294.9 billion, surpassing imports, which totaled GH₵250.2 billion. The favorable trade balance was primarily bolstered by robust gold, petroleum, and cocoa exports.
While the import market remains dominated by fuel and industrial equipment, the importation of items such as animal intestines and used vehicles illustrates the diverse trade needs as Ghana approaches 2025.
Ghana’s Top 10 Imports for 2024:
1. Diesel – Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) for TOR – GH₵28.93 billion (11.6%)
2. Light oils, motor spirit, super – GH₵24.12 billion (9.6%)
3. Self-propelled bulldozers with a 360° revolving superstructure – GH₵6.20 billion (2.5%)
4. Cement clinker – GH₵4.83 billion (1.9%)
5. Used vehicles (1,500cc–3,000cc) – GH₵4.20 billion (1.7%)
6. Cereal grains, worked but not rolled or flaked – GH₵3.37 billion (1.3%)
7. Petroleum oils from bituminous minerals, crude – GH₵3.34 billion (1.3%)
8. Medium oils, Kerosene-type jet fuel (ATK) – GH₵3.16 billion (1.3%)
9. Guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals (excluding fish) – GH₵2.69 billion (1.1%)
10. Herbicides, anti-sprouting products, and plant-growth regulators – GH₵2.61 billion (1.0%)
In conclusion, Ghana’s 2024 import landscape reflects a significant reliance on fuel and machinery, while also revealing emerging trends with unique imports like animal guts and used vehicles. Despite the substantial import expenditures, the country maintains a healthy trade surplus driven by strong exports in gold, petroleum, and cocoa. This diverse trade portfolio underscores the evolving needs of Ghana as it heads towards 2025.
Original Source: 3news.com
