# Ghana economic and tourism sector growth

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-economic-and-tourism-sector-growth
> Updated: 2026-08-10T12:37:58.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

In 2025, Ghana experienced significant economic growth across multiple sectors, characterized by a transition to a trade surplus. The nation recorded a historic trade surplus of GH¢148.3 billion, driven largely by gold, cocoa, and crude petroleum exports. While total merchandise trade reached US$52.5 billion, exports specifically reached US$32 billion, surpassing imports for the first time in nearly two decades.

Gold remains the dominant export, accounting for 63.1% of total export earnings. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has warned of rising economic risk due to this commodity concentration, noting that it leaves the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Trade relationships have also shifted, with Asia now accounting for 50.1% of Ghana’s exports.

Simultaneously, the tourism sector expanded, generating an estimated $4.34 billion in international receipts from over 1.3 million arrivals. Domestic tourism grew by 7%, reaching 1.79 million visits. To support these trends, the government launched the Sankofa II project in partnership with the European Union to preserve historic forts and strengthen creative industries.

Despite these gains, the energy sector faces ongoing financial challenges. In 2025, the sector recorded a US$1.4 billion shortfall, even after a 40% cumulative tariff increase for consumers. To mitigate fiscal risks and improve sustainability, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the government to maintain quarterly electricity tariff adjustments.

## Claims

- Ghana's international tourist arrivals reached 1,306,962 in 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Tourism revenue in Ghana reached an estimated US$4.34 billion in 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The 10 most visited tourist attractions in Ghana recorded 1,377,588 visitors in 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Domestic tourism visits increased from 1.68 million in 2024 to 1.79 million in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gold accounted for 63.1% of Ghana's total exports in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Ghana's merchandise exports reached US$32 billion in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Ghana recorded a trade surplus of GHS 148.3 billion in 2025. (single source)
- The IMF urged Ghana to maintain quarterly electricity tariff adjustments to reduce fiscal risks. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Ghana economy sees tourism growth and trade surplus in 2025

Ghana recorded US$4.34 billion in tourism revenue and a trade surplus in 2025, driven by gold exports, though the energy sector faces a US$1.4 billion shortfall.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-tourism-revenue-reaches-434-billion-in-2025

### 2026-08-02: African Trade Reaches $1.5 trillion in 2025, Ghana Posts Record Surplus

African trade hit $1.5 trillion in 2025, boosted by AfCFTA, while Ghana posted a record GH¢148.3 billion surplus driven by gold, cocoa and petroleum exports.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-trade-reaches-15-trillion-in-2025-ghana-posts-record-surplus

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Cite as: Ghana economic and tourism sector growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-economic-and-tourism-sector-growth