Ghana’s top 10 imports in 2024: Used vehicles and intestines among key items – GSS Report

Ghana’s import landscape in 2024 was dominated by petroleum products, machinery, and agricultural goods, but a surprising inclusion in the latest Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) Trade Report is the importation of animal intestines.

The report highlights that used vehicles with engine capacities between 1,500cc and 3,000cc ranked as the country’s fifth most imported commodity, amounting to GH₵4.2 billion (1.7% of total imports). Additionally, guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals (excluding fish) surprisingly secured a spot in the top 10 imports, with an import value of GH₵2.69 billion (1.1%).

At the top of the import chart was diesel (Automotive Gas Oil – AGO) for the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), accounting for GH₵28.9 billion (11.6%) of total imports. This was followed by light oils and motor spirit (super), which totaled GH₵24.1 billion (9.6%). Other significant imports included self-propelled bulldozers, cement clinker, and herbicides.

Despite the high level of imports, Ghana maintained a trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion, with total exports reaching GH₵294.9 billion—exceeding the country’s total imports of GH₵250.2 billion. This surplus was largely driven by strong performances in gold, petroleum, and cocoa exports.

While fuel and industrial equipment remain dominant in Ghana’s import market, the presence of animal intestines and used cars in the top 10 underscores the country’s evolving trade needs as it moves into 2025.

Ghana’s Top 10 Imports in 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 with 360° revolving superstructure – 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 but not rolled or flaked – GH₵3.37 billion (1.3%)
7. Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude – GH₵3.34 billion (1.3%)
8. Medium oils, Kerosene-type jet fuel (ATK) – GH₵3.16 billion (1.3%)
9. Guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals (excluding fish) – GH₵2.69 billion (1.1%)
10. Herbicides, anti-sprouting products, and plant-growth regulators – GH₵2.61 billion (1.0%)

This report provides critical insights into Ghana’s import priorities, reflecting both industrial needs and consumer demand.