Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has intensified high-level diplomatic efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of a recent 10% universal tariff imposed by the United States on key Ghanaian exports.
The engagement, which took place during the US-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa in Luanda, Angola, saw Ghana’s Trade Minister, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, hold a bilateral meeting with Ms. Constance Hamilton, the Assistant US Trade Representative for Africa.
“The meeting focused heavily on the trajectory of US-Ghana trade ties in the face of the imminent expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on September 30, 2025”
Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
Ghana used the platform to raise strong concerns about both the current tariff regime and the future of duty-free trade under AGOA.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the US-imposed tariff has affected a wide range of Ghanaian products, including cocoa derivatives, apparel, and agro-based goods. These exports are vital to the country’s industrial growth and serve as key revenue sources, particularly for small and medium enterprises.
The Ministry disclosed that since the announcement of the tariffs, it has launched a series of diplomatic and direct engagements to prevent further disruption to Ghanaian businesses and trade flows with the US counterparts.
AGOA’s Impact
AGOA, enacted in 2000, has long served as a critical trade mechanism, granting eligible African countries duty-free access to the US market for nearly all products. Ghana’s Ministry of Trade emphasized the program’s transformative role, particularly in the apparel and textile sectors.
Citing the growth of companies such as Dignity Do the Right Thing (DTRT) in Accra – recognized as one of the largest apparel producers in West Africa – the ministry pointed to job creation for women and youth, and expanded industrial output as evidence of AGOA’s effectiveness.
With AGOA’s expiration date drawing near, Ghana has called for its long-term renewal. The ministry explained that this would ensure investor confidence, preserve job gains, and stabilize long-term planning in the manufacturing and export sectors.
The Ministry confirmed that Assistant US Trade Representative Constance Hamilton welcomed Ghana’s position while outlining broader US policy goals. Ms. Hamilton noted that current US strategy centers on private sector investments across Africa, particularly in digital infrastructure, energy, and mining, signaling a shift toward trade-driven development over aid.
“She further mentioned that the ongoing AGOA renewal talks focused on creating a reciprocal trading environment,” the ministry disclosed, highlighting a shift in emphasis toward mutual commitments.
Bilateral Commitments
Both parties agreed that constructive dialogue must continue to sustain and strengthen trade relations. The Ministry of Trade underscored the urgency of resolving tariff issues and ensuring an equitable path forward in AGOA’s renewal.
“The Assistant US Trade Representative welcomed the productive discussions with Ghana’s Trade Minister, and expressed enthusiasm for the just ended US-Africa engagement which is expected to boost trade and investment”
Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
The ministry reiterated that Ghana remains committed to addressing any concerns raised by the United States and ensuring that future agreements reflect a fair and mutually beneficial trade partnership.
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