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Ghana

Africa · Accra · presidential republic

What Ghana means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

Map showing the location of Ghana

$1.2B

U.S. imports, 2025

+3.7%

change in one year

$1.3B

U.S. exports, 2025

35M

Population

$82.8B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Ghana makes

America bought $1.2B in goods from Ghana in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Cocoa beans

cocoa for chocolate

$433M35.6%

Bakery products

$280M23%

Crude oil

$270M22.2%

Apparel, textiles, nonwool or cotton

synthetic and performance apparel

$48M3.9%

Natural rubber

natural rubber for tires

$33M2.7%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$17M1.4%

Nonferrous metals, other

$17M1.4%

Tobacco, waxes, etc.

$15M1.3%

Vegetables

vegetables

$14M1.1%

Feedstuff and foodgrains

$13M1.1%

2026 so far (through April): $799M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Ghana

$1.3B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Passenger cars, new and used

$317M

new and used cars

Natural gas liquids

$169M

Meat, poultry, etc.

$117M

Plastic materials

$102M

plastics for packaging and goods

Cell phones and other household goods, n.e.c.

$48M

cell phones and home electronics

Petroleum products, other

$42M

Other parts and accessories of vehicles

$39M

car parts and accessories

Minimum value shipments

$38M

Industrial engines

$31M

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Ghana

No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.

Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)

10%

The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

No U.S. tariff action names Ghana. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.

  1. 2026-04-06

    Section 232 metals coverage expanded

    In effect

    The April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.

    91 FR 18201
  2. 2026-02-24

    IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge

    In effect

    Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).

    91 FR 9437
  3. 2025-11-13

    Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs

    In effect

    Executive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.

    90 FR 54091
  4. 2025-06-04

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%

    In effect

    The June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.

    90 FR 24199
  5. 2025-04-05

    Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect

    In effect

    Executive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.

    Federal Register · 2025-06063
  6. 2025-03-12

    Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries

    In effect

    Proclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.

    90 FR 9817

Reference

The country itself

Africa · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

Ghana is a multiethnic country rich in natural resources and is one of the most stable and democratic countries in West Africa. Ghana has been inhabited for at least several thousand years, but little is known about its early inhabitants. By the 12th century, the gold trade started to boom in Bono (Bonoman) state in what is today southern Ghana, and it became the genesis of the Akan people's power and wealth in the region. Beginning in the 15th century, the Portuguese, followed by other European powers, arrived and competed for trading rights. Numerous kingdoms and empires emerged in the area, among the most powerful were the Kingdom of Dagbon in the north and the Asante (Ashanti) Empire in the south. By the mid-18th century, Asante was a highly organized state with immense wealth; it provided enslaved people for the Atlantic slave trade, and in return received firearms that facilitated its territorial expansion. The Asante resisted increasing British influence in the coastal areas, engaging in a series of wars during the 19th century before ultimately falling under British control. Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first Sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence, with Kwame NKRUMAH as its first leader. Ghana endured a series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS of the National Democratic Congress won the 2008 presidential election and took over as head of state. MILLS died in 2012 and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president, John Dramani MAHAMA, who subsequently won the 2012 presidential election. In 2016, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO of the NPP defeated MAHAMA, marking the third time that Ghana’s presidency had changed parties since the return to democracy. AKUFO-ADDO was reelected in 2020. In recent years, Ghana has taken an active role in promoting regional stability and is highly integrated in international affairs.

Regional map of Ghana

Geography

Location
Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo
Area
238,533 sq km
Climate
tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
Terrain
mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area
Natural resources
gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone
Coastline
539 km
Natural hazards
dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds from January to March; droughts

People & society

Population
35,336,133 (2025 est.)
Nationality
Ghanaian(s)
Ethnic groups
Akan 45.7%, Mole-Dagbani 18.5%, Ewe 12.8%, Ga-Dangme 7.1%, Gurma 6.4%, Guan 3.2%, Grusi 2.7%, Mande 2%, other 1.6% (2021 est.)
Languages
Asante 16%, Ewe 14%, Fante 11.6%, Boron (Brong) 4.9%, Dagomba 4.4%, Dangme 4.2%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.9%, Kokomba 3.5%, Akyem 3.2%, Ga 3.1%, other 31.2% (2010 est.)
Religions
Christian 71.3% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 31.6%, Protestant 17.4%, Catholic 10%, other 12.3%), Muslim 19.9%, traditionalist 3.2%, other 4.5%, none 1.1% (2021 est.)
Median age
21.6 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
70.1 years (2024 est.)
Literacy
76.5% (2021 est.)

Economy

Economic overview
West African lower-middle income economy; major gold, oil and cocoa exporter; macroeconomic challenges following nearly four decades of sustained growth; recent progress in debt restructuring, fiscal reforms, financial stability, and curbing runaway inflation under 2023-26 IMF credit facility program
Industries
mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building, petroleum
Agricultural products
cassava, yams, plantains, maize, oil palm fruit, taro, rice, oranges, pineapples, cocoa beans (2023)
Exports - partners
Switzerland 24%, UAE 18%, India 8%, South Africa 7%, China 7% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 30%, Netherlands 8%, India 5%, USA 5%, Russia 5% (2023)

Government

Government type
presidential republic
Capital
Accra
Independence
6 March 1957 (from the UK)
Constitution
several previous; latest drafted 31 March 1992, approved and promulgated 28 April 1992, entered into force 7 January 1993
Executive branch
President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
Legislative branch
Parliament

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction
Background
Ghana is a multiethnic country rich in natural resources and is one of the most stable and democratic countries in West Africa. Ghana has been inhabited for at least several thousand years, but little is known about its early inhabitants. By the 12th century, the gold trade started to boom in Bono (Bonoman) state in what is today southern Ghana, and it became the genesis of the Akan people's power and wealth in the region. Beginning in the 15th century, the Portuguese, followed by other European powers, arrived and competed for trading rights. Numerous kingdoms and empires emerged in the area, among the most powerful were the Kingdom of Dagbon in the north and the Asante (Ashanti) Empire in the south. By the mid-18th century, Asante was a highly organized state with immense wealth; it provided enslaved people for the Atlantic slave trade, and in return received firearms that facilitated its territorial expansion. The Asante resisted increasing British influence in the coastal areas, engaging in a series of wars during the 19th century before ultimately falling under British control. Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first Sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence, with Kwame NKRUMAH as its first leader. Ghana endured a series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS of the National Democratic Congress won the 2008 presidential election and took over as head of state. MILLS died in 2012 and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president, John Dramani MAHAMA, who subsequently won the 2012 presidential election. In 2016, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO of the NPP defeated MAHAMA, marking the third time that Ghana’s presidency had changed parties since the return to democracy. AKUFO-ADDO was reelected in 2020. In recent years, Ghana has taken an active role in promoting regional stability and is highly integrated in international affairs.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[233] 030-274-1000; US Embassy in Accra, No. 24, Fourth Circular Rd., Cantonments, Accra, PO Box GP 2288, Accra, Ghana; https://gh.usembassy.gov/; ACSAccra@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage . Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime , sometimes carrying severe punishment. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
233
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 776111-5; Fire: 192; Police: 999, 171
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
Currency (Code)
Cedis (GHC)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G
Major Languages
Asante, Ewe, Fante, Boron, Dagomba, Dangme, Dagarte, Kokomba, Akyem, Ga
Major Religions
Christian 71.2% (Pentecostal/Charismatic, Protestant, Catholic, other), Muslim 17.6%, traditional 5.2%
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Kakum National Park; Accra (includes Artists Alliance Gallery); Labadi Beach; Cape Coast
Major Sports
Soccer, boxing
Cultural Practices
If eating from a communal bowl, it is considered impolite to reach to parts of the bowl that are far from you. Instead, simply eat the portion directly in front of you.
Tipping Guidelines
Tips are not expected in restaurants, except at upscale locales frequented by foreigners, in which case a 5-10% tip is acceptable. Tip hotel porters 1-2 cedis and chambermaids at least 2 cedis per day. Taxi drivers expect a tip of 5-10% of the fare.
Souvenirs
Handmade beads, woven Kente cloth, gold and silver jewelry, carved stools, pottery
Traditional Cuisine
Fufu — cassava and unripe plantains mashed together in water with a wooden pole; once the mixture is smooth it is shaped into small balls that are placed in a stew or soup with meat
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, May 03, 2023
Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, May 03, 2023

Geography
Location
Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo
Geographic coordinates
8 00 N, 2 00 W
Map references
Africa
Area - total
238,533 sq km
Area - land
227,533 sq km
Area - water
11,000 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Oregon
Land boundaries - total
2,420 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Burkina Faso 602 km; Cote d'Ivoire 720 km; Togo 1098 km
Coastline
539 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
24 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Maritime claims - continental shelf
200 nm
Climate
tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
Terrain
mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area
Elevation - highest point
Mount Afadjato 885 m
Elevation - lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
190 m
Natural resources
gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone
Land use - agricultural land
55.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
30.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
13.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
360 sq km (2013)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Volta river mouth (shared with Burkina Faso [s]) - 1,600 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km) - Atlantic Ocean drainage
Volta (410,991 sq km)
Population distribution
population is concentrated in the southern half of the country, with the highest concentrations on or near the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds from January to March; droughts
Geography - note
Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake (manmade reservoir) by surface area (8,482 sq km; 3,275 sq mi); the lake was created after the Akosombo Dam was completed in 1965
People and Society
Population - total
35,336,133 (2025 est.)
Population - male
17,278,776
Population - female
18,057,357
Nationality - noun
Ghanaian(s)
Nationality - adjective
Ghanaian
Ethnic groups
Akan 45.7%, Mole-Dagbani 18.5%, Ewe 12.8%, Ga-Dangme 7.1%, Gurma 6.4%, Guan 3.2%, Grusi 2.7%, Mande 2%, other 1.6% (2021 est.)
Languages
Asante 16%, Ewe 14%, Fante 11.6%, Boron (Brong) 4.9%, Dagomba 4.4%, Dangme 4.2%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.9%, Kokomba 3.5%, Akyem 3.2%, Ga 3.1%, other 31.2% (2010 est.)
Languages - note
note: English is the official language
Religions
Christian 71.3% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 31.6%, Protestant 17.4%, Catholic 10%, other 12.3%), Muslim 19.9%, traditionalist 3.2%, other 4.5%, none 1.1% (2021 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
37.4% (male 6,527,386/female 6,400,245)
Age structure - 15-64 years
58.2% (male 9,690,498/female 10,444,197)
Age structure - 65 years and over
4.4% (2024 est.) (male 684,189/female 842,577)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
70.8 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
63.2 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
7.6 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
13.1 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
21.6 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
20.6 years
Median age - female
22.3 years
Population growth rate
2.12% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
27.09 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.73 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
population is concentrated in the southern half of the country, with the highest concentrations on or near the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization - urban population
59.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.768 million Kumasi, 2.660 million ACCRA (capital), 1.078 million Sekondi Takoradi (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.03 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.02 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
0.93 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.81 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
22.1 years (2022 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth - note
note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
234 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
30.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
34.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
27.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
70.1 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
68.4 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
71.8 years
Total fertility rate
3.51 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.73 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 74.1% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 88.4% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 25.9% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 11.6% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
4.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
7.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.27 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2015 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 85.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 55.3% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 73.1% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 14.3% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 44.7% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 26.9% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
10.9% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
1.59 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
0.53 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
0.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0.61 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
2.8% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
5.4% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
0.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
12% (2022 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
53.4% (2022 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
3.3% (2022)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
16.1% (2022)
Child marriage - men married by age 18
2.4% (2022)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
2.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
13.2% national budget (2022 est.)
Literacy - total population
76.5% (2021 est.)
Literacy - male
81.3% (2021 est.)
Literacy - female
72.1% (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total
12 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male
12 years (2022 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female
12 years (2022 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Republic of Ghana
Country name - conventional short form
Ghana
Country name - former
Gold Coast
Country name - etymology
named for a tribal chieftain who ruled a large part of the region prior to the 13th century, even though his territory was northwest of modern-day Ghana; the former name, Gold Coast, came from the gold that Portuguese explorers discovered in the region in the late 15th century
Government type
presidential republic
Capital - name
Accra
Capital - geographic coordinates
5 33 N, 0 13 W
Capital - time difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
the name derives from the Akan word nkran , meaning "ant," and may refer to the nickname local forest dwellers gave to the Nigerian tribes who settled in the area in the 16th century
Administrative divisions
16 regions; Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, North East, Northern, Oti, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western, Western North
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law
Constitution - history
several previous; latest drafted 31 March 1992, approved and promulgated 28 April 1992, entered into force 7 January 1993
Constitution - amendment process
proposed by Parliament; consideration requires prior referral to the Council of State, a body of prominent citizens who advise the president of the republic; passage of amendments to "entrenched" constitutional articles (including those on national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the branches of government, and amendment procedures) requires approval in a referendum by at least 40% participation of eligible voters and at least 75% of votes cast, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and assent of the president; amendments to non-entrenched articles do not require referenda
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent or grandparent must be a citizen of Ghana
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
yes
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
Executive branch - head of government
President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2025)
Executive branch - cabinet
Council of Ministers; nominated by the president, approved by Parliament
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); the president is both chief of state and head of government
Executive branch - most recent election date
7 December 2024
Executive branch - election results
2024: John Dramani MAHAMA elected president in the first round; percent of vote- John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 56.5%, Mahamudu BAWUMIA (NPC) 41%, other 2.5% 2020: Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO (NPP) 51.3%, John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 47.4%, other 1.3% (2020)
Executive branch - expected date of next election
7 December 2028
Legislative branch - legislature name
Parliament
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
276 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - electoral system
plurality/majority
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
12/7/2024
Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party
National Democratic Congress (NDC) (183); New Patriotic Party (NPP) (88); Other (4)
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
14.5%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
December 2028
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 13 justices)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
chief justice appointed by the president in consultation with the Council of State (a small advisory body of prominent citizens) and with the approval of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Council (an 18-member independent body of judicial, military and police officials, and presidential nominees) and on the advice of the Council of State; justices can retire at age 60, with compulsory retirement at age 70
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Court of Appeal; High Court; Circuit Court; District Court; regional tribunals
Political parties
All Peoples Congress or APC Convention People's Party or CPP Ghana Freedom Party or GFP Ghana Union Movement or GUM Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP Liberal Party of Ghana or LPG National Democratic Congress or NDC National Democratic Party or NDP New Patriotic Party or NPP People's National Convention or PNC Progressive People's Party or PPP United Front Party or UFP United Progressive Party or UPP
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Victor Emmanuel SMITH (since 19 September 2025)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 686-4520
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 686-4527
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
New York
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Rolf OLSON (since 29 May 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
No. 24, Fourth Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra, P.O. Box 2288, Accra
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
2020 Accra Place, Washington DC 20521-2020
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[233] (0) 30-274-1000
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
6 March 1957 (from the UK)
National holiday
Independence Day, 6 March (1957)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green, with a large five-pointed black star centered in the yellow band meaning: red stands for the blood shed for independence, yellow for the country's mineral wealth, and green for its forests and natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African freedom history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
Flag - note
note: similar to the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band
National symbol(s)
black star, golden eagle
National color(s)
red, yellow, green, black
National anthem(s) - title
"God Bless Our Homeland Ghana"
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
unknown/Philip GBEHO
National anthem(s) - history
music adopted 1957, lyrics adopted 1966; the lyrics were changed twice, in 1960 when a republic was declared and after a 1966 coup
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
2 (both cultural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Forts and Castles, Volta, Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions; Asante Traditional Buildings
Economy
Economic overview
West African lower-middle income economy; major gold, oil and cocoa exporter; macroeconomic challenges following nearly four decades of sustained growth; recent progress in debt restructuring, fiscal reforms, financial stability, and curbing runaway inflation under 2023-26 IMF credit facility program
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$243.124 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$230.046 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$223.043 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
5.7% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
3.1% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
3.8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$7,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$6,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$6,700 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$82.825 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
22.8% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
38.1% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
31.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
20.7% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
28.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
43.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
84.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
4.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
9.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
0.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
35.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-34.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
cassava, yams, plantains, maize, oil palm fruit, taro, rice, oranges, pineapples, cocoa beans (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate
7.1% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
13.928 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
3.1% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
3.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
3.1% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
5.4% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
5.5% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
5.3% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
23.4% (2016 est.)
Population below poverty line - note
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2016
43.5 (2016 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures - on food
39.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
0.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
1.6% (2016 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
32.2% (2016 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2023
3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
2.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2021
2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$11.684 billion (2022 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$19.102 billion (2022 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2016
73.4% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
12.3% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
$1.407 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$1.741 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2021
-$2.541 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2023
$25.365 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$25.52 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - Exports 2021
$23.901 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Switzerland 24%, UAE 18%, India 8%, South Africa 7%, China 7% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, crude petroleum, cocoa beans, manganese ore, cocoa paste (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2023
$26.024 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$26.329 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - Imports 2021
$25.967 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 30%, Netherlands 8%, India 5%, USA 5%, Russia 5% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, plastics, plastic products, footwear (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$3.624 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$5.205 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021
$9.917 billion (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external - Debt - external 2023
$29.241 billion (2023 est.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
cedis (GHC) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
11.02 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
8.272 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
5.806 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
5.596 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2019
5.217 (2019 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
85.1% (2022 est.)
Electricity access - electrification - urban areas
95%
Electricity access - electrification - rural areas
71.6%
Electricity - installed generating capacity
5.519 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
19.534 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - exports
2 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
48.449 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
2.796 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
61.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
37.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - consumption
51,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - exports
21 metric tons (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
52,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
176,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
96,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
660 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
3.116 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
3.755 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - imports
639.204 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
22.653 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
10.493 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
269,000 (2024 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
(2024 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
39.1 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
114 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
state-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks; several privately owned TV stations and a large number of privately owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible; several cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable
Internet country code
.gh
Internet users - percent of population
70% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
223,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
1 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9G
Airports
11 (2025)
Heliports
7 (2025)
Railways - total
947 km (2022)
Railways - narrow gauge
947 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge
Merchant marine - total
52 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
general cargo 8, oil tanker 3, other 41
Ports - total ports
4 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
1
Ports - small
1
Ports - very small
2
Ports - ports with oil terminals
3
Ports - key ports
Saltpond, Sekondi, Takoradi, Tema
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Ghana Armed Forces (GAF): Army, Air Force, Ghana Navy Ministry of Interior: Ghana Police Service (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note: the GAF also has a Medical Service/Corps
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
0.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
0.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 15-20,000 active Armed Forces (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths - note
note: over the past decade, Ghana has sought to increase the size of the GAF, particularly the Army, which has added a number of new units
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory is a mix of older (mostly Soviet-era) and some newer armaments from such suppliers as China, Japan, Jordan, Türkiye, the UK, and the US; the government has committed to an increase in funding for equipment acquisitions, including armor, mechanized, and special forces capabilities for the Army, light attack aircraft for the Air Force, and more modern coastal patrol vessels for the Navy (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-27 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2025)
Military service age and obligation - note
note: as of 2024, women comprised approximately 15% of the military; Ghanaian women first began serving in the late 1950s
Military deployments
875 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 725 (plus about 275 police) South Sudan (UNMISS); 670 Sudan (UNISFA) (2025)
Military deployments - note
note: since sending a contingent of troops to the Congo in 1960, the military has been a regular contributor to African- and UN-sponsored peacekeeping missions
Military - note
the military’s primary missions are border defense, assisting with internal security, peacekeeping, and protecting the country’s territorial waters, particularly its offshore oil and gas infrastructure; it has benefited from cooperation with foreign partners, such as the UK and the US, and experience gained from participation in multiple international peacekeeping missions in recent years, Ghana has expanded the Army and reinforced its presence in the northern part of the country to shore up porous borders, interdict smuggling routes, and counter threats from the terrorist organization Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), a coalition of al-Qa'ida linked militant groups which has a considerable presence in Burkina Faso and has conducted attacks in Cote d'Ivoire and Togo; Ghana has also made efforts to increase the Navy's capabilities to protect its maritime claims and counter threats such as piracy and illegal fishing (2025)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
17,334 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
4,937 (2024 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues
drought in north; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction; water pollution; inadequate potable water
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
Marine Life Conservation
Climate
tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north
Land use - agricultural land
55.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 20.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 11.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 22.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
30.7% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
13.9% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
59.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
20.822 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
107,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
13.349 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
7.366 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
43.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
164.9 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
166.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
134 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
28.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
3.538 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
13.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
299.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
95 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
1.07 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
56.2 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Space
Space agency/agencies
Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI; established 2011) (2025)
Space agency/agencies - note
note: the GSSTI is eventually slated to become the Ghana Space Agency
Space program overview
has nascent space program focused on Earth observation, space science education, and telecommunications; seeks to exploit remote sensing (RS) technology for agriculture, natural-resource management, weather forecasting, and national security; relies on foreign imagery for analysis but seeks to develop its own RS satellite capabilities; has established cooperative relationships with China, Japan, and a number of regional states, particularly South Africa; working with Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda on a satellite to monitor climate changes in the African continent; member of the African Space Agency; partner in the Square Kilometer Array radio telescope (2025)
Key space-program milestones
2017 - first satellite (GhanaSat-1), a technology demonstration/remote sensing nanosatellite built by a Gabonese university with assistance from Japan and released from the International Space Station; established Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory 2024 - released a national space policy