The economic activities in Ghana are led by services at 57.2% of GDP, with industry at 24.5% and agriculture at 18.3%. What are the main economic activities in Ghana? The economy reached about $82.31 billion in 2024, recovering on strong gold prices plus oil and cocoa exports. Gold, cocoa, and services together carry the country's output.
As of 2024, Ghana’s GDP stands at approximately $82.31 billion (current US$), with a GDP per capita of about $2,390.80, according to the World Bank. The economy has been recovering from a debt crisis, supported by an IMF programme, strong gold prices, and oil and cocoa exports.
Despite past fiscal challenges, Ghana’s economy shows potential for continued growth and development in the coming years.
What are the economic activities of Ghana?
- Primary activities: 18.3% of GDP.
- Secondary activities: 24.5% of GDP.
- Tertiary activities: 57.2% of GDP.
Primary Sector of Ghana
In Ghana, the primary sector, particularly agriculture, thrives due to its favorable climate and abundant natural resources. With 55.39% of the country’s land dedicated to agriculture, Ghana produces a variety of crops like cassava, yams, plantains, maize, oil palm fruit, taro, rice, cocoa beans, oranges, and pineapples.
Despite agriculture contributing 18.3% to the GDP, it plays a crucial role in the economy by providing employment and sustaining livelihoods. The diverse range of agricultural products highlights the sector’s significance, ensuring food security and export opportunities for the country.
Ghana’s rich geological diversity results in abundant natural resources, driving its primary sector. The country’s main resources include gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, and limestone, contributing significantly to its economy.Ghana’s oil production of around 179,890 barrels per day ranks it 23rd globally. With oil reserves of 660 million barrels, it holds 0.04% of the world’s oil reserves, further boosting its economic activity.Ghana’s gas production of 554 million m³ in 2020 ranks it 72nd globally, further boosting its economic activity.Secondary Sector of Ghana
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector involves industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In Ghana, the main industrial products include lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement production, small commercial shipbuilding, and petroleum refining. These products contribute significantly to Ghana’s economy and export market.In 2023, Ghana’s manufactures exports accounted for only 5.99% of the total exports, indicating their relatively limited significance in the country’s export sector.Tertiary sector of Ghana
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Ghana
The military is a good example of how different economic activities work together. In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military needs. The secondary sector involves making military equipment. The tertiary sector includes services like training and support. The quaternary sector focuses on research and development for better technology. Finally, the quinary sector deals with high-level decisions and strategies for the military.
In Ghana, the military expenditure for 2023 is 285.4 million US dollars, which is 0.35% of the country’s GDP. The active military force has 15,500 personnel, resulting in 0.6 active military members for every 1,000 people in the population.
Biggest company in Ghana
Which is the biggest company in Ghana? The largest company is MTN Ghana (Scancom PLC), the most valuable company listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, with a market capitalization exceeding GH₵59 billion as of 2025. It reported service revenue of about GH₵17.9 billion in 2024 (up 34.5%). MTN Ghana operates in the telecommunications and mobile money sector, part of the tertiary sector.International Trade of Ghana
Import Activities of Ghana
Ghana’s imports totaled roughly GH₵250 billion in 2024 (around a quarter of GDP), and remain crucial for economic growth, consumer access, and global trade integration.Ghana’s key import activities include refined petroleum, plastic products, garments, coated flat-rolled iron, and ships. Major import partners are China (41%), Netherlands (7%), India (5%), US (5%), and Cote d’Ivoire (4%).Exports Activities of Ghana
In 2024, Ghana’s total exports reached approximately $24.5 billion (GH₵294.9 billion), equivalent to roughly 30% of GDP and producing a trade surplus, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. This high export contribution underscores the vital role of export activities in driving economic growth and stability in the country.Ghana’s export activities focus on gold, crude petroleum, cocoa beans, and various nuts. The country’s top export partners are the UAE, Switzerland, the US, India, and China, with key commodities being gold, crude petroleum, cocoa beans, and a variety of nuts.Ghana economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, Ghana faces economic challenges despite past growth. Debt restructuring and fiscal reforms are ongoing under an IMF program. Maintaining financial stability and curbing inflation remain top priorities for the West African nation.Sources
- World Bank: Ghana
- IMF: Ghana
- CIA World Factbook: Ghana
- Ghana Statistical Service
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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