Ghana’s top imports for 2024 feature diesel, light oils, used vehicles, and animal intestines, reflecting a diverse trading demand. Despite high import costs, the country maintains a trade surplus, driven by robust exports, particularly in gold, petroleum, and cocoa. The GSS Trade Report highlights these key economic indicators as Ghana approaches 2025.
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Trade Report for 2024 reveals that Ghana’s imports are largely comprised of fuel, machinery, and agricultural products. A notable entry on the import list includes animal intestines, specifically guts, bladders, and stomachs, which is ranked among the top 10 imports. Used vehicles, particularly those ranging from 1,500cc to 3,000cc, also secured a significant position in the import rankings.
At the forefront of imported goods is diesel, specifically Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) designated for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), which totals GH₵28.9 billion, accounting for 11.6% of all imports. Following diesel, light oils and motor spirit (super) are recorded at GH₵24.1 billion, representing 9.6% of the total imports. Other noteworthy imports include self-propelled bulldozers, cement clinker, and herbicides.
Despite a considerable import expenditure of GH₵250.2 billion, Ghana maintains a substantial trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion, buoyed by total exports valued at GH₵294.9 billion. This favorable trade balance is primarily due to robust export performance in gold, petroleum, and cocoa.
As Ghana approaches 2025, the growing importation of animal intestines alongside used vehicles underscores the diverse trading needs within the economy. The following showcases 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 – 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 – GH₵3.37 billion (1.3%)
7. Petroleum oils, crude – GH₵3.34 billion (1.3%)
8. Medium oils, jet fuel – GH₵3.16 billion (1.3%)
9. Guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals – GH₵2.69 billion (1.1%)
10. Herbicides and growth regulators – GH₵2.61 billion (1.0%)
Moreover, in an effort to celebrate Independence Day, Member of Parliament Sam George has announced a data bundle offering six gigabytes for GHS10 applicable across all networks.
In summary, Ghana’s import landscape for 2024 is dominated by essential commodities such as diesel and light oils, while also featuring unique categories like used vehicles and animal intestines. Despite a significant import cost, Ghana enjoys a substantial trade surplus driven by strong export sectors including gold, petrol, and cocoa. This diverse import profile reflects the dynamic needs of the Ghanaian economy as it heads into 2025.
Original Source: 3news.com
