By Prince Offeh
Gold Drives Ghana Export Earnings Growth | Ghana earned US$18.29 billion from exports during the first six months of 2026, with strong gold sales driving the country’s external trade performance, according to the latest data from the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The sharp rise in export earnings also lifted Ghana’s trade surplus to US$8.81 billion at the end of June 2026. This marks a significant increase from the US$5.76 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.
BoG data showed that total export earnings grew by US$4.50 billion year-on-year, rising from US$13.79 billion in the first half of 2025 to US$18.29 billion in the corresponding period this year.
Gold remained the country’s biggest export and the main driver of the increase. The precious metal generated US$12.50 billion between January and June 2026, up from US$8.39 billion a year earlier. As a result, gold contributed more than two-thirds of Ghana’s total export receipts during the period.
Meanwhile, cocoa exports also recorded modest growth. Earnings from the crop increased to US$2.29 billion, compared with US$2.17 billion in the first half of 2025.
Crude oil exports also strengthened. The sector generated US$1.71 billion, representing an increase from US$1.36 billion recorded in the same period last year.
However, not all export categories expanded. Earnings from other exports slipped slightly to US$1.79 billion, down from US$1.88 billion in the first six months of 2025.
Beyond trade, the higher export receipts improved Ghana’s external position. According to the central bank, stronger earnings from gold, cocoa and crude oil supported the country’s current account balance and contributed to higher international reserves.
The latest figures highlight the growing importance of Ghana’s key commodity exports in supporting foreign exchange inflows. They also underscore the dominant role of gold in strengthening the country’s trade balance amid global economic uncertainty.
Although cocoa and crude oil contributed to the overall growth, gold remained the clear engine behind Ghana’s export performance during the first half of 2026.
With export earnings continuing to rise, Ghana has strengthened its external buffers while improving its capacity to support foreign exchange reserves and maintain a healthy trade surplus.
Gold Drives Ghana Export Earnings Growth | AviationGhana
