Dried shelled beans market in Ghana

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for dried shelled beans in Ghana showed steady growth, with volume rising from 424 thousand tons to 429 thousand tons. This period was supported by the launch of international development programs promoting Bambara beans cultivation through training and distribution, which aimed to enhance production resilience and nutritional security. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted horticultural supply chains, yet the market continued to expand.

A sharp increase lifted market volume to 481 thousand tons in 2021, reaching 489 thousand tons in 2022. This surge coincided with notable commercial activity, including Ghana's exports of sweet red beans, reflecting stronger market integration. Underlying demand was bolstered by a global trend toward vegan diets and growing consumer interest in plant-based proteins, which stimulated consumption of dried beans.

In 2023, market volume experienced a slight correction to 477 thousand tons, but fundamental demand remained firm. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research initiated a dedicated Bambara beans project to disseminate high-yield farming techniques and develop improved varieties. Further strengthening the supply base, AGT Africa acquired Pannar's dry bean seed business in 2024, introducing locally adapted varieties to meet rising demand.

Production dried shelled beans in Ghana

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Ghana held the 20th position globally in dried shelled beans production.

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

Dried shelled beans production in Ghana increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Ghana produced 426.5 K t of dried shelled beans, reflecting a modest 2.2% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 11.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ghana in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports dried shelled beans from Ghana

Exports in kind, t

Foreign dried shelled beans supplies from Ghana increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Ghana exported 596 t of dried shelled beans, marking a significant gain of 131.8% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports surged by 799.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 107.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ghana in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom (66.6% of exports in kind), Spain (9.3% of exports in kind), and the United States (7.1% of exports in kind) were the main buyers of dried shelled beans from Ghana, together comprising 83.0% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Ghana in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. The lowest exports occurred in 2017, while the highest were recorded in 2020, reflecting an 18-fold gap. In 2020, dried shelled beans volumes leaving Ghana amounted to 473 K $ US, representing a sharp gain of 417.9% over the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 24.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ghana in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom (45.9% of exports in value terms), Spain (22.2% of exports in value terms), and the United States (17.2% of exports in value terms) remained the main markets for exports in value terms of dried shelled beans from Ghana, jointly accounting for 85.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Ghana in value, 2017-2020

Imports dried shelled beans to Ghana

Imports in kind, t

Ghana's volume of dried shelled beans imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 3 246 t, representing a 56.7% loss compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 68.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 31.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 10 482 t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ghana in kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2017 to 2020, two leading markets—Niger and Burkina Faso—together accounted for 88.5% of total imports in kind, with the remaining volume dispersed across a wide range of other countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Ghana in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, dried shelled beans volumes in Ghana stood at 1 766 K $ US, indicating a sudden increase of 58.9% year-over-year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 112 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 33.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ghana in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Niger and Burkina Faso together captured 89.9% of total imports in value terms, while the rest of the flows were spread thinly across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Ghana in value, 2017-2020