Ghana's Non-Traditional Exports sector has achieved a historic milestone, with export earnings exceeding US$5 billion for the first time, prompting calls for exporters to maintain the standards and discipline that fueled the record growth.

The achievement was highlighted at an Exporters' Forum organised by the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA), where stakeholders reviewed the sector's performance and discussed measures needed to sustain growth.

According to the 2025 Non-Traditional Exports (NTE) Report presented by the Director of Research at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr Martin Akogtri, export earnings rose to a record US$5.006 billion in 2025 from US$3.83 billion in 2024, representing a growth of 30.7 percent.

Akogtri attributed the strong performance to increased value addition, growing demand for processed products, and improved access to international markets.

"The sector's ability to cross the US$5 billion mark for the first time reflects the resilience, innovation and commitment of Ghanaian exporters. Their efforts continue to drive the growth and diversification of the country's export sector," he said.

The report indicated that processed and semi-processed products accounted for more than 83 percent of total export earnings, with cocoa derivatives such as cocoa butter, cocoa paste and cocoa powder remaining the leading export products.

Other products including cashew nuts, shea nuts, bananas and yams also recorded significant growth during the period.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers' Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, the Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation, Monica Josiah, said the Authority was implementing measures to support exporters and improve trade facilitation.

She noted that officers have been deployed to the ports to help address operational challenges and speed up export processes.

"We are strengthening support systems at the ports to reduce bottlenecks and ensure exporters can move their goods more efficiently and competitively onto the international market," she stated.

Josiah added that the intervention forms part of efforts to support the government's 24-Hour Economy agenda and boost export trade.

The forum also featured a presentation on timber export regulations by the Operations Manager of the Forestry Commission, Eric Abbeyquaye, who stressed the importance of compliance in sustaining export growth.

"Effective export management depends on compliance, proper documentation, legality verification and collaboration among stakeholders," he advised.

Europe remained Ghana's largest export destination in 2025, while exports to Africa, Asia and North America continued to grow steadily.

Stakeholders at the forum expressed optimism that with stronger support mechanisms and continued adherence to export standards, Ghana's non-traditional export sector can build on its record performance and contribute even more to economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.

ANAS/SA

GRA pushes digital tax reform with ITAS stakeholder engagement