Ghana Imports outpace exports under AfCFTA, raising trade concerns

Ghana is importing more goods than it exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), sparking concerns about the country’s trade balance, according to Louis Yaw Afful, an International Trade and AfCFTA Consultant.

Speaking at a media forum on the “Investment Outlook in Ghana Under AfCFTA,” Afful noted that trade data show Ghana accounts for over 40 percent of imports within the preferential trading system, while its export contribution remains comparatively low.

He explained that Ghana implemented a 10-year tariff liberalisation plan, reducing tariffs by roughly 2.5 percent annually. While this encourages trade, it has also positioned Ghana as a major destination for AfCFTA-compliant imports.

“The imbalance is largely due to Ghana’s limited manufacturing capacity compared with countries like South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Kenya, which export higher volumes of finished goods,” Afful said.

He highlighted South Africa’s strong export performance, driven by its advanced manufacturing base and extensive retail networks, such as Shoprite, across the continent. By contrast, Ghana has yet to fully capitalise on AfCFTA export opportunities.

Afful cautioned that continued dependence on imports without expanding local production could weaken Ghana’s industrial sector and undermine the objectives of AfCFTA. He called for policies that strengthen manufacturing, agro-processing, and industrial value chains to enable Ghanaian businesses to take full advantage of preferential access to African markets.