Ghana’s Economy Reaches Historic Milestones as Gold Production and Non-Traditional Exports Soar in 2025

Ghana’s economic landscape saw a significant transformation in 2025, marked by record-breaking performances in both the mining and trade sectors. Gold production experienced a remarkable 23.41% surge, reaching 5.94 million ounces, while earnings from Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) surpassed the $5 billion threshold for the first time in the country’s history. These twin achievements underscore a period of robust growth and resilience, with the mining sector’s contribution to GDP rising to nearly 10% and the NTE sector recording a 30.7% increase in value compared to the previous year.

The surge in gold production was primarily driven by the small-scale mining sub-sector, which saw an extraordinary 63.82% increase in output to reach 3.11 million ounces. This offset a slight 2.98% decline in large-scale mining production, which stood at 2.83 million ounces. Consequently, total mining revenue grew by 10.61%, rising from GHS 21.90 billion to GHS 24.22 billion. Beyond revenue, the sector’s expansion fueled a 21.52% increase in the direct workforce, adding over 2,400 jobs. Addressing the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a competitive investment climate through regulatory reforms and local content participation.

Simultaneously, the Non-Traditional Export sector achieved a historic milestone by generating over $5 billion in earnings. A key driver of this success was the shift toward value addition, with processed and semi-processed products accounting for over 83% of the total export earnings. Europe remains Ghana’s largest market for these goods, though diversification efforts continue. At a recent Exporters’ Forum, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) highlighted its role in this growth, including the deployment of dedicated officers to streamline port operations. Stakeholders emphasized that maintaining this momentum will require strict compliance with international standards and continued innovation among local exporters.

Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook for Ghana’s economy remains optimistic but contingent on policy stability. Large-scale gold output is projected to rebound to between 3.2 and 3.4 million ounces, while small-scale production is expected to remain strong. For the NTE sector, the focus will stay on sustaining the 30% growth trajectory through enhanced stakeholder collaboration. As both sectors continue to serve as pillars of national development, the emphasis from both government and industry leaders remains on refining regulatory frameworks to ensure that this growth translates into long-term economic stability and increased local participation.