Ghana’s non-traditional exports (NTEs) have exceeded the US$5 billion mark for the first time, recording nearly 30 per cent growth compared to the previous year, according to the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).
The milestone was announced by Rashid Raymond Kramer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GEPA in charge of Marketing and Promotions, during the Eye on Port media forum organised by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
Mr Kramer described the achievement as a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to diversify its export portfolio and reduce reliance on traditional export commodities.
He said the strong performance underscores the increasing contribution of non-traditional exports to the national economy and provides momentum toward the country’s target of generating US$10 billion in non-traditional export earnings by 2030.
According to him, the growth was largely driven by increased value addition and strong international demand for Ghanaian products.
He noted that cocoa-derived products, particularly cocoa butter and cocoa cake, were among the leading contributors to export earnings, generating more than US$800 million during the period under review.
Other products that performed strongly on the international market included cashew, shea-based products, coconut, yam, mango, and a range of processed agricultural commodities.
Mr Kramer explained that Ghanaian exporters are increasingly shifting from the export of raw materials to processed and semi-processed products, enabling them to earn higher revenues while minimising post-harvest losses.
He emphasised that value addition remains a critical strategy for increasing export earnings, creating jobs and strengthening agricultural value chains across the country.
The Deputy CEO highlighted GEPA’s Accelerated Export Development Programme as a key initiative designed to support businesses in improving product quality, accessing international markets and enhancing the competitiveness of Ghanaian exports.
He expressed confidence that continued investment in processing, logistics and market development would sustain the sector’s growth and position Ghana as a leading exporter of value-added products on the African continent.
Mr Kramer added that GEPA would continue collaborating with stakeholders across the export ecosystem to expand market access and help exporters take advantage of emerging opportunities in global trade.
The latest export performance is expected to reinforce Ghana’s broader industrialisation and economic diversification agenda, while boosting foreign exchange earnings and supporting job creation across key sectors of the economy.
