The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed the Government of Ghana’s high-level diplomatic engagement with the United States, following the imposition of a “10% tariff on Ghanaian exports, effective 5th April 2025.”
U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, met with Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to discuss the implications of the tariff and explore possible relief measures.
The dialogue, which also involved Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi, and officials from both ministries, marked the government’s first formal response to the trade action announced by Washington last week.
“The US Ambassador indicated that the tariff did not maliciously target Ghana but was intended to address the significant trade imbalances between the USA and its partners such as Ghana”
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
The government moved swiftly for the much needed engagement to protect businesses as the10% U.S. tariff raises economic concerns.
According to Ambassador Palmer, the tariff imposition is part of a broader policy measure undertaken by the U.S. to address its global trade deficits.
She stressed that the decision was not aimed specifically at Ghana but is rooted in provisions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), which grants the U.S. President authority to regulate economic transactions in response to national emergencies.
Her remarks sought to calm anxieties in Accra where exporters have expressed concern over the sudden cost implications on Ghanaian goods entering the U.S. market.
Key Sectors at Risk
The US Ambassador explained that certain sectors were exempt from the tariff imposition.
“The 10% tariff imposition exempts some products like oil and gas, and energy related products that Ghana exports to the United States. It emerged that products exported under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative are affected”
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
While the tariff exempts certain critical sectors, it does apply to goods exported under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a programme that has been instrumental in enabling duty-free access for several Ghanaian exports.
These include cocoa derivatives, processed agricultural goods, garments, and textiles, many of which form the backbone of the country’s non-traditional export portfolio.
Concerns have already been raised by industry stakeholders about the potential impact on jobs, particularly in the garments sector, which employs thousands of Ghanaian youth, mostly women.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged these risks and has vowed to act swiftly.
Negotiations for Sectoral Exemptions
Discussions during the meeting also touched on the possibility of securing exemptions for specific sectors.
Cocoa and garments were highlighted as industries that could “suffer severe setbacks” under the new tariff regime.
“The meeting additionally discussed the possible exemption of other sectors, particularly with cocoa and garments. Both sides agreed to work together to mitigate challenges including potential job losses”
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
The agreement to dialogue further aimed at alleviating pressure on Ghanaian businesses and minimising the impact on the wider economy.
With Ghana’s economy still in the process of post-pandemic recovery and navigating ongoing global economic headwinds, such unexpected shocks threaten to derail gains made under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
Government Affirms Ongoing Engagement
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Agribusiness and Industry have committed to maintaining sustained engagement with their U.S. counterparts.
Officials say all available bilateral and diplomatic channels will be explored to negotiate terms that are fair to Ghanaian exporters and maintain the country’s access to key international markets.
The government hopes to “alleviate the effect of the tariff on Ghanaian businesses and the Ghanaian economy,” through continuous engagement with the United States.
President Mahama’s administration has consistently emphasised international cooperation and trade diplomacy as central pillars of Ghana’s economic vision.
The current response reflects that posture, blending assertiveness with tact to preserve jobs and protect vulnerable industries.
“Ghana and the USA affirm their strong and cordial relations,” despite the setback.
Both nations have reaffirmed their long-standing bilateral relations as officials from both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, security, and development.
As the government continues to pursue resolution on the tariff issue, stakeholders within the private sector are being encouraged to remain calm while ongoing negotiations proceed.
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