By Hannah Awadzi
Accra, June 9, GNA – Exporters have been urged to maintain high standards of compliance, innovation, and discipline as Ghana’s non-traditional export (NTE) sector records historic growth, surpassing the US$5 billion mark for the first time.
The call was made at an Exporters’ Forum organised by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), which brought together exporters and stakeholders in the trade and logistics value chain to explore opportunities, address challenges, and chart the next phase of growth for the sector.
A statement issued by the GSA and copied to the Ghana News Agency said exporters were commended for their contribution to the sector’s remarkable performance in 2025. NTE earnings reached US$5.006 billion, representing a 30.7 per cent increase over the US$3.83 billion recorded in 2024.
The achievement ranks among the strongest performances in recent years and underscores the growing role of exports in driving economic growth and generating foreign exchange.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief Executive of the GSA, Mrs Monica Josiah, Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation, outlined interventions being implemented to support the Government’s 24-Hour Economy agenda and strengthen export trade.
She noted that the Authority had intensified efforts to assist exporters through measures such as deploying officers to the ports to facilitate trade processes and resolve operational bottlenecks.
Presenting the 2025 NTE Report, Dr Martin Akogtri, Director of Research at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), said processed and semi-processed products accounted for more than 83 per cent of total export earnings, with cocoa derivatives—including cocoa butter, cocoa paste, and cocoa powder—dominating the export basket.
Agricultural products such as cashew nuts, shea nuts, bananas, and yams also recorded significant gains. Europe remained Ghana’s largest export destination, while exports to Africa, North America, and Asia continued to grow steadily.
Mr Eric Abbeyquaye, Operations Manager at the Forestry Commission, emphasised the importance of compliance, proper documentation, and adherence to sustainability standards. He reminded exporters that long-term success in international trade depends on legality verification and effective collaboration among stakeholders.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu