Ghana’s Industrial Arts and Crafts sub-sector recorded a 23 per cent increase in export earnings in 2024, contributing 3 percent to total non-traditional exports, up from 2.43% in 2023.
This is according to the 2024 Non-Traditional Export (NTE) Statistics Report released by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).
The surge was led by kente products, which posted an exceptional growth of 523%, reflecting growing international demand for Ghanaian textiles. Handicraft items followed closely with a 440% increase, while bamboo and cane furniture exports rose by 274%.
Other strong performers included beads, which recorded 114% ceramic products inched up to 23%, and hides and skins contributed 26%.
However, the sector also saw declines in some areas. Mats dropped by 32%, statuettes by 31%, and traditional musical instruments by 19%, indicating shifting global preferences
GEPA attributes the sector’s growth to a rising global interest in handmade, sustainable, and culturally significant products.
The Authority stressed the need for a continued investment in product development and market access to sustain growth in this sector.