Ghana’s merchandise exports reached US$22.44 billion in the first eight months of 2026, with gold accounting for the largest share of export earnings, according to the Bank of Ghana’s September 2026 Summary of Economic and Financial Data.
The figure represents an increase of about US$4.50 billion from the US$17.94 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, translating into a 25.1% year-on-year increase.
Gold exports rose to US$14.86 billion, up from US$11.18 billion a year earlier, as higher gold export receipts continued to drive Ghana’s external trade performance.
Gold therefore accounted for roughly two-thirds of total merchandise exports during the January-August period, making it the largest contributor to the growth in export earnings.
Cocoa exports also increased, rising to about US$2.76 billion from US$2.47 billion over the same period in 2025. Crude oil exports similarly grew to US$2.42 billion, compared with US$1.83 billion a year earlier.
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The export performance contributed to a wider merchandise trade surplus, as imports grew at a slower pace than exports during the period.
The latest figures reinforce the strong role of gold in Ghana’s external sector, while cocoa and crude oil remain significant sources of foreign exchange earnings.
