Ghana’s heavy reliance on China for imports exposes the country to potential supply-chain disruptions, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has warned.
The warning is contained in the GSS Quarterly Trade Newsletter for January to March 2026, which points to the concentration of Ghana’s import trade among a few major trading partners.
China remained Ghana’s leading source of imports during the first quarter, accounting for GH¢19.1 billion, or 29.7% of the country’s total imports.
The GSS says such concentration creates potential vulnerabilities because disruptions affecting a major trading partner could have wider implications for Ghana’s access to imported goods.
The concern forms part of the Service’s broader assessment of Ghana’s international merchandise trade during the quarter.
While Ghana recorded a nominal trade surplus of GH¢46.1 billion in Q1 2026, the GSS noted that the country’s trade position changes significantly when price effects are removed.
In real terms, Ghana recorded a trade deficit, with real exports valued at GH¢28.1 billion compared with real imports of GH¢34.3 billion.
The import picture also shows how concentrated Ghana’s external trade remains.
China was responsible for almost 30% of Ghana’s total imports in the quarter, making it by far the country’s largest import partner.
The GSS has therefore called for measures to address import concentration risks, alongside efforts to diversify Ghana’s export base and increase the production of higher-value goods domestically.
Additionally, the Service points to the need for stronger infrastructure and access to finance to support domestic production and trade.
