Start an import Business in Ghana with just $500 – Here’s How

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business but thought you needed thousands of dollars to start, think again. With just $500 (about GHS 7,000 – 8,000), you can enter the importation business in Ghana and start generating profit with the right strategy and products.
The key is to import affordable, fast-moving, high-demand products that are lightweight, easy to store, and simple to sell. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of what to import, where to get it, and how to start selling.
Top 7 Products You Can Import into Ghana with $500
1. Mobile Phone Accessories
These are always in high demand across Ghana.
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Items: Earphones, USB cables, power banks, phone holders.
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Why: High turnover, low cost per unit.
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Where to Source: 1688.com or Alibaba.
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Profit Margin: 30%–70%.
2. Fashion Accessories
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Items: Watches, costume jewelry, sunglasses, belts, ladies’ bags.
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Why: Low capital needed, huge market on social media.
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Bonus Tip: Bundle items for better resale margins.
3. Beauty & Personal Care Products
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Items: Lip gloss, eyelashes, skincare sets, facial rollers.
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Why: Popular with young women, easy to sell on TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
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Caution: Stick to non-medical products to avoid FDA registration.
4. Mini Gadgets & Electronics
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Items: Bluetooth speakers, smartwatches, rechargeable fans, lamps.
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Why: Perfect for students, working-class buyers.
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Best Sellers: Items under $10 with daily utility value.
5. Baby & Kids Items
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Items: Educational toys, bibs, socks, learning charts.
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Why: Parents always buy, and items are small/light to ship.
6. Affordable Clothing
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Items: T-shirts, boxers, socks, singlets, leggings.
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Sourcing Option: Buy from China or locally pick clean bales.
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Bonus Tip: Focus on trendy, unisex fashion.
7. Health & Wellness Tools
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Items: Waist trainers, slimming belts, gym resistance bands.
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Target Market: Fitness and beauty-conscious Ghanaians.
Where to Source Products
Use platforms like:
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1688.com (cheaper, Chinese-only—use a Ghanaian sourcing agent)
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AliExpress.com (good for small orders/testing)
Or work with Ghana-based agents who buy, consolidate, and ship items for you by air or sea.
How to Import & Sell
Step 1: Choose a niche
Focus on 1–2 product categories to start with.
Step 2: Find a reliable shipping agent
Agents help you source and ship to Ghana at fair prices. Air shipping is faster, but sea is cheaper for bulk.
Step 3: Market your products online
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Sell on WhatsApp status, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or Jiji.
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Use eye-catching pictures and offer cash on delivery in big cities like Accra, Kumasi, or Takoradi.
Final Tips for Beginners
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Start small – avoid electronics or goods that are bulky or need clearance permits.
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Reinvest your profit into restocking quickly to grow faster.
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Focus on volume, not just margin. The more units you sell, the better your profit.
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Always check customs duties and fees ahead of time, even for small parcels.
The importation business is no longer reserved for big players. With just $500, smart choices, and a little hustle, you can kickstart a profitable import venture in Ghana. Start with small, high-demand goods, find the right market, and scale over time. Consistency, smart sourcing, and good customer service will set you apart.
Source: Thepressradio.com| Solomon Ogyem