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Ghana's economy is predominantly agricultural. The biggest cash crop is cocoa, although production has declined since the 1970s. Rice, coffee, cassava, corn, shea nuts, and bananas are also widely grown. Fishing and lumbering are important, although inadequate roads and facilities have hindered the development of the timber industry.
Minerals (most importantly gold, but also industrial diamonds, aluminum, manganese, and bauxite) are found in the north, south, and coastal regions. There is some offshore petroleum exploitation, and exploration for additional reserves continues.
The major industries in Ghana are aluminum smelting, the processing of cocoa, and the production of foods and beverages. In spite of recent expansion in the construction, mining, and manufacturing sectors, they still produce a relatively small portion of the national income. The major exports are gold and other minerals, cocoa, timber, and tuna. Imports include vehicles and equipment, petroleum, consumer goods, and food. Great Britain, the United States, Germany, Nigeria, and Japan are Ghana's major trade partners. The country has a large but poorly maintained road system, and rail lines connect the major centers in the south.
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