Ghana Shells Out GH₵2.69bn on Animal Guts, Bladders, and Stomachs in 2024

According to the latest report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Ghana’s import landscape in 2024 was dominated by fuel, industrial machinery, and agricultural products. Ten key commodities accounted for 33.4% of the country’s total imports, underscoring a diversified range of goods entering the market.

Ghana Shells Out GH₵2.69bn on Animal Guts, Bladders, and Stomachs in 2024

One surprising entry on the import list was the guts, bladders, and stomachs of animals (excluding fish), which ranked ninth with an import value of GH₵2.69 billion—about 1.1% of total imports. This inclusion suggests a growing demand for animal by-products, likely driven by expanding meat processing, pharmaceutical, and pet food industries in Ghana.

Key Import Commodities in 2024:

• Diesel – Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) for TOR: GH₵28.93 billion (11.6%)

• Light Oils, Motor Spirit, Super: GH₵24.12 billion (9.6%)

• Self-Propelled Bulldozers with 360° Revolving Superstructure: GH₵6.20 billion (2.5%)

• Cement Clinker: GH₵4.83 billion (1.9%)

• Used Vehicles (1,500cc–3,000cc): GH₵4.20 billion (1.7%)

• Cereal Grains, Worked but Not Rolled or Flaked: GH₵3.37 billion (1.3%)

• Petroleum Oils and Oils Obtained from Bituminous Minerals, Crude: GH₵3.34 billion (1.3%)

• Medium Oils, Kerosene-Type Jet Fuel (ATK): GH₵3.16 billion (1.3%)

• Guts, Bladders, and Stomachs of Animals (Excluding Fish): GH₵2.69 billion (1.1%)

• Herbicides, Anti-Sprouting Products, and Plant-Growth Regulators: GH₵2.61 billion (1.0%)

A Robust Trade Surplus Bolsters Economic Confidence
Looking Ahead to 2025

Despite the sizable import expenditure, Ghana’s total exports surged to GH₵294.9 billion—well above the GH₵250.2 billion in imports—resulting in a notable trade surplus of GH₵44.7 billion. This surplus marks a significant improvement over the previous year and is largely driven by strong performances in gold, petroleum, and cocoa exports.

Ghana’s export strength is further reflected in its intra-African trade relations. Exports to African markets nearly doubled compared to imports, a development linked to the country’s strategic positioning within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is fostering increased intra-regional commerce.

In the final quarter of 2024, Ghana recorded a GH₵20.5 billion trade surplus, a sharp rise from the GH₵6.1 billion surplus in Q4 2023, with exports of GH₵92.9 billion against imports of GH₵72.4 billion.

While fuel and industrial equipment remain at the top of the import list, the inclusion of animal by-products highlights evolving trade demands. Coupled with a robust export performance and expanding trade relations within Africa, Ghana appears well-positioned for a positive economic trajectory as it heads into 2025.