Ghana informal trade hits GH¢31bn

The Ghana — Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) released its first Informal Cross-Border Trade report, revealing that informal trade between Ghana and its three land neighbours (Togo, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast) reached GH¢31 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, surpassing formal trade of GH¢20.1 billion. The survey covered 206 active border points across 10 regions from October 2024 to September 2025. Key findings include: informal trade accounted for about 6% of Ghana's total trade; trade with Togo remained overwhelmingly informal (70-78%); Ghana's informal trade surplus narrowed sharply from GH¢665.3 million in Q2 to GH¢49.3 million in Q3; the food trade deficit doubled from GH¢400 million to GH¢800 million; cooking oil was the largest food import; and tricycles were the main transport mode. The GSS recommended simplifying registration, improving border infrastructure, investing in local production of key commodities like rice and cooking oil, and strengthening data sharing under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu emphasized the importance of measuring informal trade for evidence-based policy.