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Ghana is in economic recovery mode following the double hits of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak of 2020 and the macroeconomic crisis of 2022. The Ghanaian hotel-restaurant-institutional (HRI) sector is evidencing a promising upward trajectory.

This report highlights all major certificates and permits that the Government of Ghana (GoG) requires for exporting food and agricultural products from the United States into the country.

This report outlines Ghanaian government requirements for the importation of food and agricultural products for human and animal consumption. The report aims to assist U.S. exporters by providing an assessment of laws and requirements for food and agricultural products imposed on imports.

Ghana’s economic decline is starting to stabilize after the country sought International Monetary Fund (IMF) support through an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program worth approximately $3 billion.

U.S. wine, poultry, rice, and beef are gaining in popularity as the Ghanaian HRI industry looks to expand their offerings to attract more hi-end business.

The 2023 FAIRS Annual Country Report provides up to date information on the regulations and procedures for the importation of food and agricultural products to Ghana.

This report provides information on the certificates required for the importation of food and agricultural products into Ghana, plus further information on food product registration, labeling, import permits and other relevant information to assist U.S. exporters.

Ghana’s Hotel and Restaurant Institutional sector is growing, with tourism being an important driver of economic growth. In 2019, the sector generated U.S. $1.9 billion for the economy. Local and international franchises operate in major cities across the country.

Seafood is an important staple in Ghanaian cuisine as it accounts for 60 percent of animal protein intake with an estimated per capita consumption rate of 26 kg. U.S. seafood sales to Ghana recently experienced a boost in sales, however, sustained seafood exports from the U.S. are at risk due to the Government of Ghana’s (GOG) recent announcement to increase the tax 1,573 percent per metric ton on frozen seafood.

Ghana’s economic growth was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Following the pandemic-induced slowdown, economic recovery was expected to grow in 2022 to 5.5 percent.

The Namibian Ministry of Agriculture appears to have granted an extension to consignments that were already prepared for departure to Namibia before the announcement of the Circular V15 of 2022 on December 7, 2022.

In a signed letter to the Veterinary Medical Officer of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), dated January 12, 2023, the Acting Chief Veterinary Officer of the Ghanaian Veterinary Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture acknowledged receipt of the FSIS’ proposed certificate of export for pork and pork products, and confirmed its acceptance.