Economy of Ghana

By West African standards, Ghana has a diverse and rich resource base. The country is mainly agricultural, however, with a majority of its workers engaged in farming. Cash crops consist primarily of cocoa and cocoa products,which typically provide about two-thirds of export revenues, timber products, coconuts and other palm products, shea nuts, which produce an edible fat, and coffee. Ghana also has established a successful program of nontraditional agricultural products for export, including pineapples, cashews, and pepper. Cassava, yams, plantains, maize, rice, peanuts, millet, and sorghum are the basic foodstuffs. Fish, poultry, and meat also are important dietary staples.

Related Topics:
West Africa - Ghana - Agricultur - Cocoa - Coconut - Shea nut - Coffee - Pineapple - Cashew - Pepper - Cassava - Yam - Plantain - Maize - Rice - Peanut - Millet - Sorghum

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Minerals -- principally gold, diamonds, manganese ore, and bauxite -- are produced and exported. The only commercial oil well has been closed after producing 3.5 million barrels (560,000 m³) over its seven-year life, but signs of natural gas are being studied for power generation, while exploration continues for other oil and gas resources.

Related Topics:
Gold - Diamond - Manganese - Bauxite - Natural gas

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Ghana's industrial base is relatively advanced compared to many other African countries. Import-substitution industries include textiles; steel (using scrap); tires; oil refining; flour milling; beverages; tobacco; simple consumer goods; and car, truck, and bus assembly.

Related Topics:
Steel - Tobacco

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Tourism has become one of Ghana's largest foreign income earners (ranking third in 1997), and the Ghanaian Government has placed great emphasis upon further tourism support and development.

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