Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayeribi, has called on the government to act swiftly in securing exemptions following the recent imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports to the United States.
The tariff placed on goods from Ghana to the United States by President Donald Trump has sparked concerns about the competitiveness of local businesses in the global market, with many urging timely interventions to prevent severe economic consequences.
“The newly imposed 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports to the U.S. will undoubtedly increase costs for Ghanaian products in that market. Ghanaian goods risk losing their competitive edge, an outcome that could severely impact businesses and livelihoods that rely on exports”
Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase-Ayeribi
With Ghana’s economic diplomacy efforts having been strengthened under the previous administration, particularly through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Hon. Nkrumah stressed that Ghana must leverage these diplomatic channels to negotiate a waiver.
The imposition of tariffs has raised fears among Ghanaian exporters who have spent years establishing themselves in the American market.
Industry experts warn that the additional cost burden could push some businesses out of the market entirely and this could have ripple effects on employment and economic stability in Ghana, particularly in sectors that depend heavily on exports.
Impact on Ghanaian Exporters
Ghana’s exports to the U.S. have long played a critical role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as large-scale producers in industries such as cocoa, textiles, and processed agricultural products.
The new tariff now places these businesses at a disadvantage against competitors from countries with lower or no tariff obligations.
In recent years, the country’s export sector has seen steady growth, with entrepreneurs investing in improving product quality and meeting international standards.
However, the introduction of additional costs on these goods could slow down progress, making it difficult for Ghanaian businesses to remain competitive.
For many industry players, the tariff could mean higher prices for consumers in the U.S., leading to reduced demand for Ghanaian goods.
The situation is even more concerning for companies that have signed long-term supply contracts, as they may now be forced to absorb the extra cost or risk losing customers completely.
“Yes, global economic trends influence local economies, but what truly matters is how governments respond”
Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase-Ayeribi
He questioned whether Ghana would “rise to the occasion,” and take decisive action to protect its exporters or allow “businesses set up in the last decade,” to struggle under restrictive policies that “threaten their survival.”
The Role of Government
According to the MP, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. “The government must act immediately,” he stated.
“A good number of our exporters, workers, and a decent part of our economy depend on it. The time to act and act swiftly is now”
Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase-Ayeribi
Hon. Nkrumah emphasized that the government’s “much-touted 24-hour economy” would rely on strong interventions in the export sector to create demand that sustains existing businesses while encouraging new ones.
The tariff challenge has reignited conversations about Ghana’s trade policies, market diversification, and the need for long-term strategies that protect local industries from external economic shocks.
Like the MP, some industry analysts in search of a way out believe Ghana could explore options such as reclassification of its exports or the use of special trade designations to reduce the impact of the tariff.
Beyond seeking immediate relief, Nkrumah and other economic analysts have stressed the importance of a long-term strategy that prevents similar occurrences in the future.
Strengthening local manufacturing and processing capacity, expanding trade agreements with alternative markets, and reducing reliance on any single export destination have all been proposed as critical steps for Ghana’s export sector.
The government has yet to make a formal statement on its approach to the issue, but businesses and economic stakeholders are closely watching for a decisive move.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Ghana secures the necessary exemptions or if exporters will be forced to adapt to a more challenging trade environment.
