Yams market in Ghana

Earlier Report Observations

The yams market in Ghana showed consistent growth from 2018 to 2022, with domestic production rising from 7 858 thousand tons to a peak of 10 703 thousand tons. This expansion translated into a growing domestic market volume, which increased from 7 841 thousand tons to over 10 680 thousand tons over the same period. The most significant single-year surge occurred in 2021, when production jumped by nearly 15%.

The growth momentum continued into 2022, supported by rising global demand for yams and increased health awareness among international consumers, which boosted export opportunities. Ghana's position as a leading global exporter of yams, with shipments valued at $44.1 million, indicated significant large-scale or state-influenced production capacity was geared towards meeting this external demand, thereby supporting overall market volume.

By 2023, the market entered a phase of stabilization. Production eased slightly to 10 551 thousand tons, and the domestic market volume settled at 10 515 thousand tons, representing a minor adjustment after several years of strong growth.

Production yams in Ghana

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Ghana ranked second globally in yam production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of yams, 2017-2020

World map of production of yams, 2017-2020

Ghana's yam production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 8 946 thousand tonnes of yams, representing a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 0.0%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 11.4%.

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

Exports yams from Ghana

Exports in kind, t

Yam export volumes from Ghana increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 44 832 tonnes, showing a sharp rise of 64.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 175.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 40.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom (35.4% of exports in volume), the United States (28.1% of exports in volume), and Niger (8.6% of exports in volume) were the primary buyers of yams from Ghana, collectively accounting for 72.0% of total export volumes.

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

Yam shipments from Ghana increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Ghana exported yams worth 39 065 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial rise of 207.2% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, export values grew by 417.6%, with an annualized rate of 73.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United Kingdom (37.4% of exports in value), the United States (36.4% of exports in value), and the Netherlands (5.8% of exports in value) accounted for the largest share of export values, together comprising 79.6% 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 yams to Ghana

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 6 945-fold difference between the low of 2017 and the high of 2019. In 2020, yam shipments to Ghana amounted to 26 tonnes, indicating a decrease of 22.7% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 34 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 175 464.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—South Africa, the United States, and China—together accounted for 98.4% of total yam imports by volume to Ghana.

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

Cross-border shipments of yams to Ghana increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 19 thousand US dollars, marking an 18.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values rose by 163 986%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1 079.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States (40.5% of imports in value), China (27.2% of imports in value), and South Africa (25.9% of imports in value) remained the main markets for yam imports by value to Ghana, jointly taking 93.7% of total flows.

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

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