Ghana recorded total exports of GH¢110.3 billion in the first quarter of 2026, against imports of GH¢64.2 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of GH¢46.1 billion.Ghana economic insights
This is according to the First Quarter 2026 Trade Report released by the Ghana Statistical Service.
Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, says Ghana traded goods worth GH¢174.6 billion, equivalent to US$16.1 billion, between January and March 2026.
“Ghana traded goods worth 174.6 billion Ghana cedis or 16.1 billion US dollars in just the first 3 months of 2026.That is the equivalent of almost 2 billion Ghana cedis worth of trade every single day.”
Gold remained Ghana’s biggest export, earning the country GH¢63.7 billion, or US$5.9 billion, during the period, while cocoa exports also recorded an improvement.
Dr. Iddrisu says Asia remained Ghana’s largest trading partner, while trade with other African countries also improved.
He, however, says the strong trade surplus does not necessarily mean Ghana exported significantly more goods.
“When we adjust for price effect using the unit value index, the picture changes from a nominal surplus to a real trade deficit, reminding us that higher prices rather than higher export volumes explain much of the strong trade performance.”
According to the Government Statistician, much of the increase in export prices during the quarter was driven by gold.
“Much of the price gain in quarter one of 2026 came from gold.”
The GSS is therefore calling for greater diversification of Ghana’s exports, more value addition and stronger participation in regional trade under the AfCFTA.Ghana economic insights
Dr. Iddrisu says government must continue promoting export diversification and value addition, while businesses invest in processing, innovation and competitiveness.
“Government should continue promoting export diversification, value addition, and regional trade under the AFCFTA.”
He is also encouraging Ghanaian consumers to support locally produced goods as part of efforts to create jobs and strengthen the domestic economy.
“Businesses should invest in processing, innovation, and competitiveness, and take advantage of the AFCFTA, while households should recognize that buying quality Ghanaian products supports jobs and strengthens our economy.”