Promote:
Export from Ghana
A short guide for companies selling from Ghana: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Ghana sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$32 billion
Merchandise exports reported by Ghana were US$31.98 billion in 2025, including any re-exports.
Source: UN Comtrade, Ghana exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$10.1 billion
Services exports were US$10,059.85 million in 2025, a figure that covers services only.
Source: UNCTADstat, trade in services by category, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Gold (HS 7108)US$20.2 billion
- 2. Cocoa beans (HS 1801)US$2.74 billion
- 3. Crude petroleum (HS 2709)US$2.64 billion
- 4. Cocoa paste (HS 1803)US$881.7 million
- 5. Cashew nuts and coconuts (HS 0801)US$626.4 million
- 6. Cocoa butter and fat (HS 1804)US$615.6 million
- 7. Plastic household articles (HS 3924)US$318.8 million
- 8. Manganese ore (HS 2602)US$264.3 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Steel bars and rods (HS 7214)US$206.3 million
- 10. Cocoa powder (HS 1805)US$200 million
- 11. Oilseeds (HS 1207)US$193.3 million
- 12. Prepared and preserved fish (HS 1604)US$190.4 million
- 13. Vegetable fats and oils (HS 1515)US$169.4 million
- 14. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$167.8 million
- 15. Aluminum, unwrought (HS 7601)US$147.7 million
- 16. Natural rubber (HS 4001)US$142.3 million
- 17. Ceramic tiles (HS 6907)US$125.8 million
- 18. Aluminum ore (HS 2606)US$116.1 million
- 19. Plastic sheets and film (HS 3920)US$80 million
- 20. Plastic packaging (HS 3923)US$76.8 million
- Gold (HS 7108) was 63.1 percent of 2025 merchandise exports, and Ghana's Comtrade report carries no re-export record. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Ghana exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- United Arab Emirates25.9%
- India16%
- Switzerland14.2%
- South Africa10.3%
- China4.9%
- Netherlands4.5%
- United States3.3%
- Burkina Faso2.9%
- Gold (HS 7108) was 63.1 percent of 2025 exports. It was 99.4 percent of the value to the United Arab Emirates, 99.8 to Switzerland, 95.5 to South Africa and 81.6 to India. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Ghana exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (gold, crude petroleum and manganese ore) make up about 74% of Ghana’s goods exports, so the totals mostly describe that trade. For another product, look at demand for your own line, market by market.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Ghana exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Ghana exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks cocoa beans, cocoa paste and cashew nuts and coconuts as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Ghana’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Ghana exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Cocoa beans grew 155% from 2024 to 2025; oilseeds grew 143% from 2024 to 2025. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Ghana exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
The United Arab Emirates takes 25.9% of Ghana’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Ghana exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
ECOWAS
ECOWAS's trade liberalization scheme lets originating products enter other members free of customs duties and taxes of equivalent effect.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the destination member's treatment before you quote.
Source: ECOWAS Commission, trade liberalization scheme overview (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
African Continental Free Trade Area
Ghana issues AfCFTA certificates of origin through GRA's Customs Division, and trading under the agreement began on January 1, 2021.
Ratification alone does not set the tariff on a shipment. Confirm the importing country's tariff offer and rules of origin.
Source: Ghana AfCFTA coordination office, AfCFTA FAQ handbook (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
European Union-Ghana stepping-stone Economic Partnership Agreement
Gives Ghanaian goods the agreement's access to the European Union, with an origin declaration as proof of origin.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the product and origin rules.
Source: European Commission, West Africa rules of origin page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United Kingdom-Ghana Interim Trade Partnership Agreement
Gives Ghanaian goods duty-free, quota-free access to the United Kingdom, while Ghana liberalizes tariffs gradually.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the product-specific rule of origin.
Source: United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade, Trade with Ghana (opens in a new tab) · as of April 20, 2021
Show 1 more agreement
AGOA
Ghana is number 14 of 33 on the 2026 beneficiary list.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. As of October 30, 2026, Public Law 119-103 runs the program to December 31, 2028.
Source: Federal Register notice 2026-13177, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Ghana
- Register the business form you will trade under and get its incorporation or registration documents.Office of the Registrar of CompaniesCompany limited by shares: GHS 585 plus 1% capital duty, 2026 scheduleOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Office of the Registrar of Companies, 2026 fees and charges (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
- Register for the tax types that apply and keep the taxpayer identification number customs requires.Ghana Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ghana Revenue Authority, tax registration page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Register as an exporter with GEPA and renew the export certificate when it falls due.Ghana Export Promotion AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ghana Export Promotion Authority, exporter registration page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For gold or other precious minerals, apply to GoldBod, which says it holds exclusive export rights.Ghana Gold BoardOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ghana Gold Board, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 10 more export steps
- Check GRA's export restrictions page for permits on controlled goods and for banned exports.Ghana Revenue Authority; relevant sector regulatorOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ghana Revenue Authority, export restrictions and prohibitions page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For plants and plant products, get a phytosanitary inspection and certificate.Plant Protection and Regulatory Services DirectorateOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ministry of Food and Agriculture, plant protection directorate page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For food, medicines and other regulated products, follow the Food and Drugs Authority's export guidelines.Food and Drugs AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Food and Drugs Authority, export forms and guidelines page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check the destination's standards and arrange testing, inspection or certification.Ghana Standards AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ghana Standards Authority, functions page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- To claim AfCFTA preference, register as an AfCFTA exporter in ICUMS and apply for the certificate of origin.Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs DivisionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ghana AfCFTA coordination office, AfCFTA FAQ handbook (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For the European Union, make an origin declaration, and register in ICUMS if a consignment exceeds EUR 6,000.Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs DivisionOrigin declaration by any exporter up to EUR 6,000Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: European Commission, West Africa rules of origin page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For ECOWAS and other certificate types, ask the chamber which certificate your destination accepts.Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and IndustryOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, export documentation page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Lodge the customs export declaration in ICUMS with permits and documents, present the goods and obtain release.Ghana Revenue Authority, Customs DivisionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ghana Revenue Authority, ICUMS page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For Letter of Commitment exports, return the proceeds through your nominated bank within the notice's deadline.Bank of Ghana; nominated bank120 days from shipment; one extension up to 60 calendar daysOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bank of Ghana, Notice 2025/34 on Letters of Commitment, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2025
- Ask GRA about conditional drawback for imported inputs or re-exports, and keep the evidence.Ghana Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ghana Revenue Authority, abridged Customs Act (drawback) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with GEPA and GRA. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Get advice
National trade promotion agency
GEPA
Ghana Export Promotion Authority
Registers exporters and publishes export statistics, market information and export procedures.
Visit GEPA (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Export Promotion Authority, services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Find finance
Export-import bank
GEXIM
Ghana Export-Import Bank
Offers export business advice, market research, training and routes to export financing.
Visit GEXIM (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Export-Import Bank, services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 5 more organizations
- Meet requirements
National AfCFTA coordination office
AfCFTA NCO
National AfCFTA Coordination Office
Coordinates Ghana's AfCFTA implementation and supports businesses that want to trade under the agreement.
Visit AfCFTA NCO (opens in a new tab)Source: National AfCFTA Coordination Office, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
GSS
Ghana Statistical Service
Publishes national price, economic and merchandise trade statistics.
Visit GSS (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Statistical Service, home page, CPI inflation, September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Shippers' services authority
GSA (Shippers)
Ghana Shippers' Authority
Helps shippers resolve complaints and negotiate shipping charges and service standards.
Visit GSA (Shippers) (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Shippers Authority, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
Continental trade agreement secretariat
AfCFTA Secretariat
Regional body
Publishes the AfCFTA eTariff, the status of tariff offers and the Guided Trade Initiative pages.
Visit AfCFTA Secretariat (opens in a new tab)Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, eTariff page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Trade and industry ministry
MoTAI
Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
Leads government policy on trade, agribusiness and industry, and runs business regulatory reforms and an export development program.
Visit MoTAI (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
GRA
Ghana Revenue Authority
Administers business taxes, customs export procedures and the ICUMS single window.
Visit GRA (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Revenue Authority, export procedures page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Central bank
BoG
Bank of Ghana
Publishes foreign exchange and export proceeds rules, including the Letter of Commitment notice.
Visit BoG (opens in a new tab)Source: Bank of Ghana, Notice 2025/34 on Letters of Commitment, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 29, 2025
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Port authority
GPHA
Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority
Publishes vessel and container schedules, tolls and port statistics for the ports of Tema and Takoradi.
Visit GPHA (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
GSA (Standards)
Ghana Standards Authority
Provides standards, testing, inspection, certification and metrology services.
Visit GSA (Standards) (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Standards Authority, functions page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Plant health regulator
PPRSD
Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate
Inspects regulated plants and plant products and issues phytosanitary certificates.
Visit PPRSD (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Food and Agriculture, plant protection directorate page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 5 more organizations
- Meet requirements
Food and medicines regulator
FDA
Food and Drugs Authority
Regulates exports of food, medicines and other products under its mandate and publishes export guidelines.
Visit FDA (opens in a new tab)Source: Food and Drugs Authority, imports and exports control page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Environmental regulator
EPA
Environmental Protection Authority
Provides environmental regulatory information and public complaint routes.
Visit EPA (opens in a new tab)Source: Environmental Protection Authority, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Gold trading regulator
GoldBod
Ghana Gold Board
Licenses gold buying and assaying and describes exclusive rights over gold exports.
Visit GoldBod (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Gold Board, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Cocoa sector board
COCOBOD
Ghana Cocoa Board
Publishes the cocoa producer price, annual cocoa purchases and cocoa bean exports by destination.
Visit COCOBOD (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Cocoa Board, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Mining regulator
Minerals Commission
Administers mining licenses through its mining cadastre and publishes monthly gold production statistics.
Visit Minerals Commission (opens in a new tab)Source: Minerals Commission, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
GNCCI
Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Issues certificates of origin and other export documentation, and offers business support and advocacy.
Visit GNCCI (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, export documentation page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Manufacturers' association
AGI
Association of Ghana Industries
Provides industry advocacy, business support and capacity-building services.
Visit AGI (opens in a new tab)Source: Association of Ghana Industries, services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Get advice
Young entrepreneurs' chamber
GCYE
Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs
Provides business guidance, training, advocacy and financing information for young entrepreneurs.
Visit GCYE (opens in a new tab)Source: Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Bilateral chamber of commerce
UKGCC
UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce
Provides bilateral trade support, market-entry services and business capacity building.
Visit UKGCC (opens in a new tab)Source: UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
United States tariff measures
AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries, runs to December 31, 2028 under Public Law 119-103, and Ghana is on the 2026 beneficiary list.
What to do: Check the duty that applies to your product and shipment date before you quote.
Sources: Public Law 119-103, Section 2008, September 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Federal Register notice 2026-13177, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States tariff actions
Ghana is not named in the July 28, 2026 Section 301 notice; Proclamation 11012 set the Section 122 surcharge to end on July 24, 2026.
What to do: Confirm the current United States duty on your product before you price.
Sources: Federal Register notice 2026-15181, July 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Proclamation 11012, Section 122 surcharge, February 20, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Export proceeds rules
Bank of Ghana Notice 2025/34, in force since October 30, 2025, sets a 120-day return period for Letter of Commitment proceeds, with one extension of up to 60 days.
What to do: Confirm your Letter of Commitment dates with your nominated bank before you ship.
Sources: Bank of Ghana, Notice 2025/34 on Letters of Commitment, 2025 (opens in a new tab); Ghana Shippers Authority, revised LOC guidelines article, September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Currency and settlement
The Bank of Ghana reports that the cedi gained 40.7 percent against the United States dollar in 2025, after losing 19.2 percent in 2024.
What to do: Confirm the settlement currency and the rate with your bank on the contract date.
Source: Bank of Ghana, 2025 Annual Report (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
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Public debt and arrears
The Bank of Ghana reports public debt of GHS 641.1 billion, or 44.7 percent of GDP, at the end of 2025, down from 61.6 percent a year before.
What to do: Check payment terms and the payment record of a public body before you sign a contract.
Source: Bank of Ghana, 2025 Annual Report (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Gold trading rules
GoldBod describes itself as the sole authority with exclusive rights to buy, sell, assay and export gold and other precious minerals in Ghana.
What to do: Confirm licensing with GoldBod before you start gold buying, processing or export.
Source: Ghana Gold Board, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Ghana project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
Promote:Ghana is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 30, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.