President John Dramani Mahama has shed new light on the evolving dynamics of Ghana’s export economy, revealing a significant shift in the country’s major revenue sources.

Speaking at the African CEOs Forum in Côte d’Ivoire under the theme “Oil and Renewable Energy: A Dual Bet for Ghana’s Future,” President Mahama disclosed that gold has now emerged as Ghana’s top export earner, overtaking oil and cocoa.

He explained that while oil and gas remain critical contributors to the economy, cocoa, once Ghana’s leading export, has slipped to third place.

The decline, he noted, is largely due to the adverse impact of climate change on cocoa production in recent years.

Despite the setback, President Mahama expressed optimism about the future of the cocoa sector.

He revealed that production levels are beginning to recover, raising hopes for stronger performance and improved export earnings.

Ghana remains heavily reliant on raw material exports, but President Mahama pointed out that the country is now gradually building a more diversified export base, anchored by gold, oil, and cocoa.

“If the current rebound in cocoa production continues, it could significantly enhance Ghana’s foreign exchange inflows and contribute to overall economic growth,” he added.