Engage US to Seek Waiver for Ghana’s Goods – Oppong Nkrumah Advises Gov’t Amid 10% Trump Tariff—Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is calling on the government of Ghana to urgently engage the United States to seek a waiver from the newly imposed 10% tariffs on Ghanaian exports.
He warns that the additional tariff could cripple Ghanaian businesses exporting to the U.S., erode their competitiveness, and threaten jobs and livelihoods in the country.
In a passionate statement, the former Information and Works and Housing Minister under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo-led administration said the tariffs, if left unaddressed, risk undoing years of progress made by budding Ghanaian exporters, many of whom have built their businesses over the last decade.
He described the development as a test of Ghana’s economic diplomacy and a moment for the government to demonstrate resolve in protecting local enterprises.
“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,” he observed.
He added that, “At a time when economic diplomacy has been enhanced in the erstwhile government under pillars like the AFCFTA, Ghana must engage the U.S. and ultimately seek a waiver for our nation.”
He emphasized that while global economic conditions remain challenging, what truly defines a nation’s economic resilience is how it responds.
“Will Ghana rise to the occasion, or will the budding businesses set up in the last decade that export to the American market be left to struggle under the weight of policies that threaten their survival?” he questioned.
The ranking member on the Economy and Development Committee of Parliament stressed that the government must act swiftly, noting that a significant number of exporters, workers, and a notable portion of Ghana’s economy are at stake.
He says that the government’s ambitious 24-hour economy policy hinges on the ability to expand export markets and hence making timely and strategic interventions like this essential.
The IMF fears the new policy direction of the Trump administration to impose sweeping tariffs on almost all trading partners could disrupt the global economic outlook. The Managing Director of the Fund, Kristalina Georgieva has therefore called on the US to constructively address the rising trade tensions with its partners.
Although countries such as China and the UK and reciprocating with additional tariffs on US goods imported into their respective countries.
Meanwhile, in Ghana the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has invited the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer to come and explain the imposition of the 10% tariff on Ghanaian goods. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025.
It is anticipated that the outcome of the meeting will inform how the government will respond to the tariff.
