Shippers applauded for $5bn NTE earnings in 2025
STAKEHOLDERS in the shipping and export industry have been commended for their significant role in helping Ghana achieve a record $5.006 billion in non-traditional export (NTE) earnings in 2025.
The figure represented a 30.7 per cent increase over the $3.83 billion recorded in 2024 and marked the first time the country's non-traditional exports had surpassed the $5 billion threshold.
The achievement was described as a reflection of the resilience, innovation and commitment of exporters, as well as the growing contribution of the sector to economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.
Export forum
The commendation was made at an Exporters' Forum organised by the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA) in Accra.
The event brought together exporters and key players within the trade and logistics value chain to discuss opportunities, address challenges and explore strategies for sustaining growth in Ghana's export sector.
The forum underscored the need for continuous collaboration among regulators, trade facilitation agencies and exporters to sustain the country's export growth momentum.
The Director of Research at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Martin Akogtri, who presented highlights of the 2025 Non-Traditional Exports (NTE) Report, lauded exporters for their resilience, innovation and dedication, describing them as the backbone of the sector's outstanding performance.
He explained that Ghana's non-traditional export earnings had exceeded the $5 billion mark for the first time, driven by increased value addition, rising global demand for processed products and expanded access to export markets.
The report
The report showed that processed and semi-processed products remained the main drivers of the sector, accounting for more than 83 per cent of total export earnings.
Cocoa derivatives, including cocoa butter, cocoa paste and cocoa powder, continued to dominate the export basket, while agricultural commodities such as cashew nuts, shea nuts, bananas and yams recorded strong growth.
Europe remained Ghana's largest export destination, while exports to Africa, North America and Asia continued to expand steadily, demonstrating the country's growing presence in international markets.
The strong performance also highlighted Ghana's ongoing efforts to diversify its export base beyond traditional commodities and strengthen its competitiveness in regional and global trade.
24-Hour economy agenda
The Head of Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation at GSA, Monica Josiah, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, outlined several initiatives being implemented to support the government's 24-Hour Economy agenda and boost export trade.
She stated that the authority had intensified support for exporters through strategic interventions, including the deployment of officers at the ports to facilitate export processes and resolve operational bottlenecks that could delay cargo movement.
He said the measures formed part of broader efforts to improve trade facilitation, reduce transaction delays and enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian products in international markets.
Compliance is key
The Operations Manager at the Forestry Commission, Eric Abbeyquaye, urged participants to comply fully with export obligations, understand documentation requirements and adhere to the legal and sustainability standards governing timber exports.
He stressed that long-term success in international trade depended on strict compliance and effective collaboration among stakeholders.
“Effective export management depends on compliance, proper documentation, legality verification and collaboration among stakeholders,” he stated.